Export File destination in Final Cut Pro

Note: This destination is used as the basis for four of the destinations in the default set: Master File, Apple Devices 720p, Apple Devices 1080p, and Apple Devices 4K. When you create and modify destinations in Final Cut Pro preferences, this destination is called Export File.

Use this destination to export your project or clip as a movie file with video and audio, as a video file (with no audio), or as an audio file (with no video). This destination is used to export files for Apple devices, computers, and web hosting.

You can customize the Export File destination by choosing one of several resolutions, depending on the intended playback device. For example, choose 1280 x 720 resolution for iPhone and iPod, and 1920 x 1080 resolution for iPad. You can also export one or more of the roles used in your project into one or more files, also known as media stems. If your project includes captions, you can export language versions (subroles) as embedded captions or as separate caption files.

The Export File destination includes the following settings:

Format: Lists mastering formats (Video and Audio, Video Only, Audio Only) and publishing formats, including Apple Devices (such as iPhone and iPad), Computer (for playback on Mac and PC), and Web Hosting (such as YouTube or Vimeo). Your choice of format determines the options in the pop-up menus below.
Important: When sharing a project or clip, you can change the resolution only for publishing formats.
Video codec: Choose a codec to use for the exported file. (Available choices are based on the source clip or project media format.)
Resolution: Choose the default resolution for the destination. If the destination is used with a project or clip that has a lower resolution than the resolution you chose, the resolution changes to match that of the project or clip. See Modify a project’s settings in Final Cut Pro.
Color space: The color space for the destination is determined by the project settings and the destination video codec. See Modify a project’s settings in Final Cut Pro.
Audio file format: If you chose Audio Only from the Format pop-up menu, choose an audio format for the exported file. If you chose another option from the Format pop-up menu, this item lists the audio format that will be used for the exported file.
Include chapter markers: Select the checkbox to include chapter markers that were added to the project in the output file. Users can navigate between the chapter markers by clicking the Next Chapter or Previous Chapter button in QuickTime Player and other apps.
Action menu: Choose what should happen when the export is complete. You can choose to open the exported file in an app or add it to your media library. The name of the pop-up menu changes depending on what you choose.
- Save only: Choose this option if you don’t want to automatically open the exported file.
- Open with QuickTime Player (or another app): Choose this option to open the exported file in the default app associated with the file. You can set or change the default app in the Finder. See macOS Help, available from the Help menu when the Finder is active.
- Open with Compressor: Choose this option to open the exported file in Compressor. The exported file will appear as the source in a new batch, making it easy to continue to process the project’s movie. For example, you can create the compressed versions needed for distribution, without involving Final Cut Pro.
  Note: This option is available only if Compressor is installed on the same computer as Final Cut Pro.
- Other: Choose this option to specify another app to open the exported file. Select the app in the window that appears, then click Open.
- Home Videos: Choose this option in the “Add to TV” section to add the exported file to the Home Videos category in the Apple TV app. (If you’re using macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, this section is labeled “Add to iTunes.”)

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Final Cut Pro X User Guide

Export File destination in Final Cut Pro