- The key ideas in Final Cut Pro
- How to make your first video in Final Cut Pro
- Why the Magnetic Timeline makes editing easier
- How to export from Final Cut Pro
- The catch: set up your project from the right clip
- Features worth learning next
- Final Cut Pro and Apple Creator Studio
- Final Cut Pro or iMovie?
- A simple editing routine that works
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
To use Final Cut Pro, create a library and a new project with Command-N, import your footage with Command-I, then drag clips into the Magnetic Timeline. Trim them by dragging their edges, add titles with Control-T and transitions from the browser, and export with the Share button, choosing Export File or a social platform.
If you've outgrown iMovie and you're making regular business videos, courses or YouTube content, Apple's professional editor is the obvious next step. It looks complex, but its core ideas are simple, and its Magnetic Timeline is far more forgiving than most professional editors. Here's how I'd get started.
The key ideas in Final Cut Pro
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Library | The container for everything: your events, media and projects |
| Event | A folder of clips, like a shoot or a client |
| Project | A timeline where you build your video |
| Magnetic Timeline | A timeline where clips close up gaps automatically |
| Connected clips | Titles, cutaways and sounds attached to your main clips |
How to make your first video in Final Cut Pro
- Open Final Cut Pro. The first time, click Create Library, give it a name and click Save.
- Import your footage with File, Import, Media (Command-I), or drag files in from the Finder.
- Create a project with File, New, Project (Command-N), name it and click OK to accept the automatic settings.
- Drag clips from the browser into the timeline.
- Trim each clip by dragging its start or end edge.
- Add titles (Control-T for a basic title) and transitions from the browser.
- Click the Share button and choose a destination to export.
Why the Magnetic Timeline makes editing easier
Apple describes the Magnetic Timeline as adjusting neighbouring clips automatically to remove gaps, collisions and sync problems. In practice, when you delete or shorten a clip, everything after it slides up to close the gap. You spend less time nudging clips around and more time on the story. Titles, cutaway shots and sound effects can be connected to the main clips, so they move with them when you rearrange your edit.
How to export from Final Cut Pro
| Share destination | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Export File | A high-quality master file (the default) |
| Apple Devices 1080p | Playing on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV |
| Social Platforms | Preparing a file for uploading online |
| HEVC | Smaller files at the same quality as H.264 |
The catch: set up your project from the right clip
Final Cut Pro can pick project settings for you, which is usually fine. But if you're making a vertical reel or mixing footage from different cameras, the wrong settings can leave you with black bars or a squashed picture. Apple's tip is simple: in the browser, Control-click a clip that has the shape and quality you want and choose New Project, and the project takes on that clip's video properties. Starting from your best clip avoids most format headaches.
Features worth learning next
- Multicam editing: Apple says it can sync up to 64 camera angles, which is brilliant for interviews filmed on two cameras or phones.
- Effects: more than 300 built-in effects, transitions and generators.
- Keywords: Final Cut Pro can detect people and shot types and tag clips automatically, which makes finding footage faster.
- Audio lanes: arrange dialogue, voiceover and music into separate lanes in one click.
Final Cut Pro and Apple Creator Studio
Apple's guide now describes Final Cut Pro for Mac as part of Apple Creator Studio, a collection that also includes Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor and MainStage. Check Apple's page for the current ways to get it before you buy anything.
Final Cut Pro or iMovie?
| Choose iMovie if | Choose Final Cut Pro if |
|---|---|
| You edit occasionally | You edit every week |
| Your videos are short and simple | You make long videos, courses or multi-camera interviews |
| You want the basics only | You want effects, colour tools and precise trimming |
The good news: iMovie projects can be sent to Final Cut Pro, so you can start simple and move up later.
A simple editing routine that works
- Import everything for the video into one event, so you aren't hunting across folders.
- Watch your clips once and mark the good bits. Keywords help if there's a lot of footage.
- Build a rough cut on the timeline: just the main clips in order, no polish.
- Tighten it: trim every clip so it starts and ends on purpose.
- Add connected clips, such as cutaways and product shots, to hide jump cuts.
- Add titles, music and a couple of transitions.
- Watch it through once, then export.
It's tempting to start with effects and colour, but the story is what keeps people watching. Get the cut right first and the polish takes far less time, because you aren't styling clips you'll end up deleting.
My verdict
Final Cut Pro is the natural next step for Mac users who've outgrown iMovie. Create a library and project, import with Command-I, build your edit on the Magnetic Timeline and export with Share. Start new projects from your best clip to avoid format problems, then learn multicam and keywords as you grow. For capturing screen tutorials to edit, see my pick of screen recording software, and for hosting your finished videos, my roundup of Vimeo alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Does Final Cut Pro save automatically?
Final Cut Pro stores your work in its library as you edit, so you don't need to keep saving.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
How do I start a project in Final Cut Pro?
Create a library, select an event, then choose File, New, Project or press Command-N.
How do I import video into Final Cut Pro?
Choose File, Import, Media (Command-I), or drag files in from the Finder.
What is the Magnetic Timeline?
Final Cut Pro's timeline, which moves clips automatically to close gaps and avoid collisions.
How do I export from Final Cut Pro?
Click Share and choose a destination such as Export File or Social Platforms.
Can I move an iMovie project to Final Cut Pro?
Yes. iMovie can send projects to Final Cut Pro.
Is Final Cut Pro good for beginners?
Yes, if you're willing to learn a few concepts. The Magnetic Timeline is forgiving, and iMovie users will recognise a lot.
