Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
chapter 3
Importing Media
This chapter explores
some of the issues to keep in mind when preparing media for editing, such as selecting
the correct preferences settings and understanding some of the background tasks that take place during the import
process. Final Cut Pro can be set up to search for technical issues, convert your media to a more playable format,
and even organize the files based on criteria that you choose before import. This chapter examines all these set-
tings and demonstrates, using footage from the film
Pranks,
how to import media into an Event in Final Cut Pro
(see Chapter 2 for more on Events).
Setting Import Preferences
Before you jump in and start importing media, you need to tell Final Cut Pro how to handle the files that you give
it. Do you need to convert some of your media to match the format you're editing in? How do you want the files
to be organized? Do you want your video optimized for better playback? What kinds of analysis would you like
the software to perform for you? You can answer all these questions by visiting the Preferences window.
To bring up the Preferences window, select Final Cut Pro
⇒
Preferences or press +, (comma).
The top panel of the Preferences window is split into three tabs: Editing, Playback, and Import (see Figure 3.1).
You'll be visiting the Editing and Playback tabs as you work through this topic, but for now select the Import tab.
Here you'll find the settings that tell Final Cut Pro what to do with all the media that you bring in for editing. The
Import preferences are split into four sections: Organizing, Transcoding, Video, and Audio.
