Final Cut Pro terms

Toggle Clip Skimming

A command in FCP X to turn clip skimming on or off.

What is toggle clip skimming in Final Cut Pro?

Toggle Clip Skimming in Final Cut Pro is a feature that allows users to navigate and preview their video clips more efficiently. When Clip Skimming is turned on, users can move the pointer across clips in the timeline to see a live preview of the video at the pointer’s position, without having to manually scrub through the video. This can be particularly useful when working with complex projects that have multiple layers of video, as it allows users to quickly skim through and identify specific parts of their project.

In addition, Toggle Clip Skimming also allows users to selectively skim through individual clips, even when they are stacked or overlaid on top of each other in the timeline. This can be done by holding down the Option key while moving the pointer across the clips. This feature can greatly enhance the editing process by providing a more streamlined and efficient way to navigate through the project.

How to toggle clip skimming in Final Cut Pro?

Clip skimming in Final Cut Pro can be toggled on and off easily. To do this, you first need to navigate to the top menu bar. From there, select the "View" option. In the drop-down menu that appears, you will find the "Clip Skimming" option.

Click on "Clip Skimming" to toggle it on or off. When it's on, you'll be able to skim through individual clips in the timeline, which can be very useful for precise editing. When it's off, skimming will only show you the output of the entire project. Remember that the shortcut key for this function is Option + Command + S.

Why can't I toggle clip skimming in Final Cut Pro?

Clip skimming in Final Cut Pro is a feature that allows you to skim through individual clips in the timeline, rather than the entire project. If you're unable to toggle clip skimming, it could be due to a few reasons. One possibility is that the feature has been disabled in the program's settings. To check this, go to the "View" menu, then "Clip Skimming". If it's unchecked, click on it to enable the feature.

Another possibility is that there might be a software glitch preventing you from toggling clip skimming. If this is the case, try restarting Final Cut Pro or your computer to see if the issue resolves. If the problem persists, it might be worth reaching out to Apple's support or checking online forums for solutions. It's also important to ensure that your software is up to date, as outdated versions may have bugs or compatibility issues that can affect functionality.

What does toggling clip skimming in Final Cut Pro do?

Toggling clip skimming in Final Cut Pro changes how you interact with your media in the timeline. When clip skimming is turned on, as you move your cursor over the clips in the timeline, the viewer will show you the frame under the cursor. This allows you to quickly skim through your footage and see a preview of it without having to actually play it back.

On the other hand, when clip skimming is turned off, the viewer will only show the frame at the playhead. This means you have to manually move the playhead or play the clip to see different parts of your footage. Toggling clip skimming can be useful depending on your editing workflow and how you prefer to navigate through your clips.

If you use Final Cut Pro...

You should try Tella.tv - a screen recorder that doesn't compromise on speed or creativity.

Tella simplifies video creation: record, customize, and share in one place; combine separate clips and quickly remove mistakes; apply beautiful backgrounds, layouts, and effects with just a few clicks; share the video link or export in 4K.

With Tella, create product demos, tutorial videos, and online courses that look amazing in minutes, not hours!

Tella screen recorder

< Back to Final Cut Pro glossary

Try Tella today!

Screen recording for creators — simple and powerful.

7-day free trial — no credit card required