Final Cut Pro terms

XY Coordinates

The horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) position of an object on the screen.

What are the XY coordinates in Final Cut Pro?

Final Cut Pro, a professional video editing software developed by Apple Inc., uses XY coordinates to specify the exact position of an object or effect within the video frame. The XY coordinates refer to the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) position of an object on the screen.

The X coordinate represents the horizontal position, moving from left to right. The Y coordinate represents the vertical position, moving from top to bottom. By adjusting these coordinates, you can precisely control where an object or effect appears in your video frame. This is particularly useful for tasks such as aligning text, positioning overlays, or creating motion paths.

How to adjust XY coordinates in Final Cut Pro?

Final Cut Pro allows you to adjust the XY coordinates of a clip in the viewer panel. To do this, first select the clip you want to adjust in the timeline. Then, navigate to the viewer panel, which is typically located in the top right corner of the screen. Here, you will see a tab labeled "Video Inspector". Click on this tab to open it.

In the Video Inspector panel, you will find the Transform section. Here, you can adjust the position of the clip by changing the X and Y coordinates. Simply click on the numbers next to 'X' and 'Y' and type in the desired coordinates or use the up and down arrows to adjust the values. You can also click and drag directly on the video in the viewer to move it around. Remember to press "Enter" to apply the changes.

Why are my XY coordinates not working in Final Cut Pro?

Final Cut Pro is a sophisticated video editing software that uses a variety of parameters, including XY coordinates, to manipulate video elements. If your XY coordinates are not working in Final Cut Pro, it could be due to several reasons. One common issue is incorrect input of the coordinates. Ensure that you are entering the correct values in the right format. Also, check if the video element you are trying to manipulate supports XY coordinate manipulation.

Another possible reason could be software glitches or bugs. If you've confirmed that your input is correct and the issue persists, try restarting the software or updating it to the latest version. If the problem continues, it might be a more complex issue that requires professional assistance. You can reach out to Apple's support or consult online forums and communities dedicated to Final Cut Pro users for further help.

How to reset XY coordinates in Final Cut Pro?

Resetting XY coordinates in Final Cut Pro can be done through the Video Inspector panel. First, select the clip you want to reset in the timeline. Then, navigate to the Inspector window on the top right of the screen. If it's not visible, you can open it by clicking on the Inspector icon (which looks like a suitcase) in the top right corner or by pressing Command + 4.

Once the Inspector window is open, click on the Video tab. Here, you'll find the Transform settings which include Position (the XY coordinates), Scale, and Rotation. To reset the XY coordinates, simply click on the hooked arrow next to Position. This will reset the clip's position to its original coordinates. Remember to save your changes before closing the Inspector window.

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