Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 2.11
A selected clip's Info shown in the Inspector.
Working with Keyboard Commands
As with most computer software, Final Cut Pro offers several ways to perform the same task. Identical editing
functions may be achieved by pressing an interface button, pressing a keyboard command, or by choosing an
item from either a shortcut menu or the menu bar. The methods that you employ will depend on your own per-
sonal preference, but most users begin with interface buttons or menus when first starting to learn new software.
As your familiarity with the software package grows, you'll probably start using a few keyboard shortcuts to
help speed up your workflow. Most professional editors rely on the muscle memory that they develop from
years of using keyboard shortcuts and perform the majority of their editing tasks directly from the keyboard. In-
corporating keyboard shortcuts into your workflow increases productivity immensely, so you should look to use
some, especially for tasks that you perform often.
Essential keyboard commands
Final Cut Pro ships with many preassigned shortcuts, which are featured throughout the topic along with the
other available methods for performing each task. Obviously, you aren't expected to memorize all these key-
board commands—they're included only for future reference. The best way to introduce keyboard shortcuts into
your workflow is by using one or two commands for the most frequently used tasks and adding to these once
they become second nature.
Most keyboard shortcuts are used in combination with a modifier such as the Command ( ), Option, Control,
or Shift keys. When this is the case, the combined keystrokes are indicated with the inclusion of an addition
sign. For example, +N means that you simultaneously hold down the Command ( ) and N keys. What fol-
lows are some of the more essential keyboard shortcuts for you to start off with.
Creating new Events and Projects is something that you'll do with great regularity when working in Final Cut
Pro. Both are easy shortcuts to start off with:
•
Create new Event:
Option+N.
•
Create new Project:
+N.
Adding media to a Project's Timeline typically requires one of three functions: a connect, insert, or append edit.
You'll be calling on these functions often when assembling your edited sequence, so getting to know the key-
board shortcuts is advantageous. Luckily the Q, W, and E keys are conveniently placed next to each other on the
keyboard; by positioning your left hand over them, they'll literally be at your fingertips as you edit. If you learn
only three keyboard shortcuts, these are the ones to go for:
•
Connect clip:
Q
•
Insert clip:
W
•
Append clip:
E
The playback controls also are placed together on the keyboard within easy reach of your right hand. Even
though there are many ways to play media in Final Cut Pro, using the J, K, and L keys is by far the most fluid
and effective. With these keys, you can play, pause, and reverse through a clip at various speeds (see Chapter 4):
•
Play backward:
J
