Creating a Project Timeline in Final Cut Pro

In this tutorial we are going to talk about creating a project timeline. A project timeline is your canvas in which you will create your finished video.
To begin click File>New>Project
I love keyboard shortcuts, so you can also press “command + n”. This brings up a window that gives you the option of using automatic settings. 99% of the time I am good to go with the automatic settings. This setting will make your project match the settings of the first clip you place into the timeline. See the tutorial on placing clips.
Choose the appropriate event for your project to live in
By default it will be placed into the event that is currently open. If you haven’t created an event yet, check it out here.
Click OK to the automatic settings
And bam! You have created a project timeline. If you are feeling adventurous, keep reading!

Optional:  Click on “Custom Settings” when creating a new project

Now you can customize to your hearts content.  Set your project up to SD, have various frame rates.  Nothing is stopping you now!

Get your settings just the way you want them and click “OK”

Bam! Now you have created a custom project timeline!

So, which ever way you want to go, you are now on your way to creating your next masterpiece.

For more tutorials, make sure you check back every Tuesday and Thursday for more tips!

Placing Clips into a Project Timeline – FCPX

In this tutorial we will talk about using your keyboard to place footage into a project timeline.  The most obvious way to put footage into your timeline is to drag it there with your mouse.  But mice are for suckers!  You want to learn keyboard shortcuts!  You do, I swear!  Put all eleven ten of those chubby flesh sticks (that you call fingers) to work!

First highlight the clip that you would like to place into your timeline.

Since I’m teaching you how to do it all with your keyboard – Hit the “tab” key until you get to your clips in your browser.  Then use the arrow keys (up and down to switch clips, left and right to toggle frames) to get to your desired clip.  Set the beginning and end of the clip if you haven’t already by pressing “i” and “o” respectively.

Next hit “Q,” “W,” or “E” to put the clip in your timeline.

placing clips keyboard quick guide

Ohhh! Ahhh!  I made a fancy graphic thingy for you! Print it, pin it, save it, shave it into your dog!

Q – Connect the clip above or below the storyline. Video goes above, audio below.

W – Insert the clip wherever the cursor is located.

E – Add the clip as the last item in the timeline. TAB – Get from the timeline selections to event selection.

You can switch to placing video and audio, video only, or audio only with your keyboard or by clicking on the importing tool’s down arrow.

Video and Audio – Shift + 1

Video only – Shift +2

Audio only – Shift + 3

That’s how you can place clips into your project timeline without ever touching your mouse!  Save time, work those fingers!  God gave you 11 10 for a reason!

Did you find this tutorial useful?

Hit me up with your questions!