Finalize a key in Final Cut Pro for Mac

1. In the Final Cut Pro timeline, move the playhead to the point in the background clip (the clip you want to superimpose the chroma key clip over) where you want the key to start.

2. In the browser, select the part of the foreground clip (the chroma key clip) you want to key over the background, then choose Edit > Connect to Primary Storyline (or press Q).

   

   For details about connecting clips in this way, see Connect clips in Final Cut Pro for Mac.

3. Select the foreground clip.

   

   In the above example, the light stands need to be removed.

4. Click the Effects button in the top-right corner of the timeline (or press Command-5).

   

5. In the Effects browser, double-click a mask effect to apply it to the selected foreground clip.

   Tip: Type “mask” in the Effects browser search field to quickly find the various mask effects. See Intro to masking in Final Cut Pro for Mac.

   

6. Adjust the edges of the mask to crop out the objects you want to remove.

   

   When adjusting the mask, be sure to leave shadows and other details that can help make the key more realistic later.

7. Apply the appropriate keyer effect to the foreground clip.

   The foreground is composited over the background.

   

You can use the Transform effect to reposition a keyed foreground image.

1. Select the foreground clip in the Final Cut Pro timeline.

2. Click the pop-up menu in the lower-left corner of the viewer, choose Transform, and move the image to the position you want.

   You can also resize the image.

   

3. When you’ve finished repositioning the foreground image, click Done in the viewer.