Final Cut Pro X: About media formats and creating optimized media

When working with certain camera original formats that have high bit-rates or use a codec that takes longer to decode, the "Create optimized media" option can provide better performance during editing, faster render times with better image quality, and faster export. Final Cut Pro X can reduce or eliminate dropped frames by transcoding this media to ProRes 422 in the background while you organize or edit in the foreground.

Some camera original formats do not benefit from improved performance when transcoded to ProRes 422. When you select these formats the "Create optimized media" option will be unavailable. Native camera media formats that you can edit in Final Cut Pro X with good performance include:

• HDV
• DV
• DVCPRO HD
• XDCAM HD/EX/HD422

If you experience playback issues with a media format that you are working with in Final Cut Pro X, consider creating optimized media (if the option is available). This will allow for better editing performance of that media in Final Cut Pro X. You can create optimized media during import or in the Event Browser by Control-clicking the media file(s) and choosing Transcode Media from the contextual menu.