Final Cut Pro terms

Compound Clips

Group of clips edited as a single clip.

What is a compound clip in Final Cut Pro?

A compound clip in Final Cut Pro is a versatile tool that allows you to group a collection of video clips, audio clips, and graphics as a single bundle. This is particularly useful when you want to apply the same effect or transformation to multiple clips at once, or when you want to simplify your timeline by reducing visual clutter.

Compound clips can be thought of as a sequence within a sequence, or a sub-timeline. They can be edited just like any other clip, with the added advantage that changes made to a compound clip will be reflected wherever the clip is used in your project. This makes it a powerful tool for managing complex projects and making efficient edits.

How to create compound clips in Final Cut Pro?

Creating compound clips in Final Cut Pro is a straightforward process. First, select the clips you want to combine in the timeline. You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse over the clips, or by holding down the Command key and clicking on each clip individually. Once you've selected all the clips you want to include, right-click on one of them and choose "New Compound Clip" from the drop-down menu.

A dialog box will appear asking you to name your new compound clip. Enter a name and click "OK". Your new compound clip will now appear in the timeline in place of the individual clips you selected. You can double-click on the compound clip to view and edit the individual clips within it. This is a great way to organize your project and make complex edits more manageable.

How to edit compound clips in Final Cut Pro?

Editing compound clips in Final Cut Pro can be done in a few simple steps. First, you need to locate the compound clip in the timeline or the browser. Double-click on the compound clip to open it in the timeline. This will allow you to view all the individual clips and elements that make up the compound clip.

Once the compound clip is open in the timeline, you can make any necessary edits. You can trim, reposition, or delete clips. You can also add new clips, audio, or effects. Any changes you make to the compound clip will be reflected wherever the compound clip is used in your project. When you're finished editing, simply click on the "Back" button to exit the compound clip and return to the main timeline.

How to use compound clips in Final Cut Pro?

Compound clips in Final Cut Pro are used to group a set of clips together so they can be manipulated and edited as if they were one single clip. To use compound clips, first select the clips you want to group together in the timeline. Then, right-click on the selected clips and choose "New Compound Clip" from the drop-down menu. You can also use the shortcut Option+G.

Once the compound clip is created, it will appear in the browser and can be edited just like any other clip. Double-click on the compound clip to open it in the timeline and make changes to the individual clips within it. Any changes made to the compound clip will be reflected in every instance of it in the project. This feature is particularly useful for applying the same effects or adjustments to multiple clips at once.

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