Hot Final Cut How-Tos

How To: Use FxFactory plug-ins for Final Cut Studio

Check out this brief video tutorial on using FxFactory the visual effects plug-in package for Final Cut Pro or Final Cut Express and Motion. You'll see the filters, generators, and transitions included, and see how they are grouped inside Final Cut's browser. There are a tones of effects for you here, just watch and see what you can do with it all.

How To: Import footage from Sony's XCAM EX into Final Cut Pro

Do you have some footage from the Sony XDCAM EX digital camera memory card that you need to get into Final Cut Pro? Well, check out this brief tutorial on ingesting that XDCAM EX footage into Final Cut Pro with ease by downloading some software, like upgrades. You'll need the Sony camera and a USB cable, then just watch the video to see how it's all done in Final Cut Pro. This will work with Sony EX1 or EX3.

How To: Trim video in Final Cut Express

After you've assembled your clips in order, you can fine tune your sequence by trimming the edit points between each clip. This video explains the many tools you can use to make trimming videos easy and precise, including the ripple and roll tools. These tools allow for seamless editing.

How To: Open format timeline in Final Cut Express

Final Cut Express provides easy setup options for a variety of video formats, but if you're not sure what format you're working with, Final Cut Express can automatically set the sequence to match the size and frame rate of your clips. When adding the first clip to a new sequence, the program will ask if the sequence should be changed to match the new clip. You don't have to work with all the same format, either, thanks to Final Cut Express' powerful open format timeline.

How To: Mix audio in Final Cut Express

When your edit is complete, or locked, the next step is to fine tune your audio. Adjust the audio levels of your clips to produce a balanced sound mix. In Final Cut Express, you can control audio levels in the timeline and the viewer. You can even add keyframes to make level changes over time.

How To: Use audio filters in Final Cut Express

Audio filters help you create a credible soundtrack. They can remove distracting noises, like the hum of an air conditioner, and add atmosphere, like an echo. Filters are accessed in the effects tab of the browser and organized into two categories: those provided by Apple and filters that come bundled with Final Cut Express. Drag a filter into the timeline and doubleclick it to edit it in the viewer.

How To: Use filters and effects in Final Cut Express

Video filters let you adjust and enhance your clips for greater visual effects. Access Final Cut Express' filters in the effects browser. Simply position the timeline playhead over the clip, apply a filter, and the resulting changes are displayed in the canvas. Filters can be animated using keyframes, which work the same way with filters that they do with motion.

How To: Use keyframe animation in Final Cut Express

Animate clips by simply changing an attribute of the clip over time. You can easily animate your clips using the viewer, which allows you to change parameters and motion and updates the clip in the canvas. Animating with Final Cut Express is non-destructive, so you can always undo your work if it is not exactly the animation you want.

How To: Animate text in LiveType

LiveType ships with many sophisticated design elements so that you can add movement to your static text. You can access them in the media browser. Choosing, editing, applying, and previewing an effect is easy using the media browser and canvas. Live fonts are as easily manipulated as effects. Explore textures as well to make your titles professional and sophisticated.

How To: Export LiveType projects to Final Cut Express

When you've finished a LiveType project, you can import it directly into Final Cut Express. The LiveType projects looks and behaves like an ordinary clip, but it has a .ipr file extension. Edit it like a normal clip, and you can change its attributes after importing by right clicking and selecting "Open in Editor." Final Cut Express automatically updates the imported file.

How To: Use LiveType to create titles in Final Cut Express

Use LiveType to create professional titles in your Final Cut Express project. Match the properties to those of your Final Cut Express project, add text, choose a font, and format your text using the inspector. The title shows up on the canvas and in the timeline. You can also add sophisticated backgrounds, effects, and animation.

How To: Chroma key in Final Cut Pro

This instructional video explains the basics of Chroma Keying in Final Cut Pro. This is used when you want to remove or key out a specific color from a scene. Created as a component in the Temple University Instructional Video Database.

How To: Replace fill editing in Final Cut Pro

This tutorial goes over how to use some of the editing techniques available in Final Cut Pro. These aren't the most used (override and insert are), but replace, fit to fill and superimpose are also available and this video will show you all of them. You never know which technique is best for the job, unless you know them all! Replace fill editing in Final Cut Pro.

How To: Create a realistic page turn in Final Cut Pro

This tutorial will give you some pointers on how to achieve a more realistic page turn in Final Cut Pro. Stephen Smith examines the classic tale of how a page peel can be transformed into a realistic player in the video effects world. With a little extra work, your results can go from fake to fabulous in no time. You'll also see how to create custom blue prints in Live Type. Create a realistic page turn in Final Cut Pro.

How To: Create custom settings in Compressor

Final Cut Studio's Compressor has many pre-existing settings that allow you to start compressing your project immediately. Stephen Smith will show you how to: create custom settings, create custom settings from scratch, create groups of settings and how to delete settings. Create custom settings in Compressor.