Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Express: Using purchased iTunes music in your project

I imported a song I purchased from the iTunes Store into my project and there is no sound. Why?

The song is likely an iTunes Digital Rights Management- (DRM) protected music file and cannot be used in your project.

What is iTunes DRM-protected music?

This is music that is protected by DRM software to allow only specific uses of the file. In the case of iTunes protected music, these files can be only played back for personal use on authorized computers.

Learn more about iTunes authorization

I purchased the song, so why can't I use it?

Purchasing content from the iTunes Store does not permit you to use the song in your project.  To use a song in your project, you have to be the copyright holder of the song or have express permission from the copyright holder.

Why can I hear some songs, but not all songs, that I purchased from the iTunes Store in my project?

Some music in your library may be iTunes Plus songs (iTunes Plus music does not have DRM protection).  You may be able to import and hear these songs in your projects, but this does not mean you have permission to use them in your finished project.

Learn more about iTunes Plus

Why can I view and import music from my iTunes library into iMovie?

This feature allows you to import content you have created and own the copyright to or have the permission to use from the copyright holder. For example, if you create an original composition in GarageBand or Soundtrack Pro, this feature would allow you to keep your song in your iTunes library and access it easily for use in iMovie.

How can I get permission to use a song I purchased from the iTunes Store?

You must obtain permission to use a song from the copyright holder:  the artist or a record label. In all cases it is best to ask permission from the copyright holder before you use copyrighted materials.