Add generators in Final Cut Pro for iPad
You add generator clips to the timeline from the browser.
Note: Many of the generator clips that come with a Final Cut Pro for iPad subscription require downloading before you can use them.
Browse generators
In Final Cut Pro for iPad, open a project.
Tap in the toolbar, tap Graphics & Generators, then tap a category in the browser.
Swipe up or down in the browser to see thumbnails of generators in that category.
To preview an item, tap its thumbnail.
The item is shown in the viewer. If the item is animated, tap to preview the animation.
To cancel the preview, tap the thumbnail in the browser again.
Drag a generator clip to the timeline
The easiest way to add a generator clip to your video is to drag its thumbnail from the browser to the timeline.
In Final Cut Pro for iPad, open a project.
Tap in the toolbar, tap Graphics & Generators, then tap a category in the browser.
From the browser, do one of the following:
Insert the item between two timeline clips: Drag its thumbnail over an edit point in the timeline until a vertical white insertion line appears between the clips, then release your finger.
Add the item as a connected clip in the timeline: Drag its thumbnail to an empty space above or below the primary storyline. This method is recommended for object clips (such as shapes), which have a transparent background and are designed to be superimposed over another image. See Connect clips.
Have the item replace another clip in the timeline: Drag its thumbnail over a clip in the timeline, and when the clip becomes highlighted, release your finger. The original clip is replaced by the new one, and your timeline’s duration changes. See Replace clips.
Add a generator clip using the Edit Mode control
For more precise placement of generator clips in the timeline, use the Edit Mode control.
In Final Cut Pro for iPad, open a project.
Tap in the toolbar, tap Graphics & Generators, tap a category in the browser, then tap a thumbnail.
In the timeline, drag the playhead to the frame where you want to place the generator clip.
Tap in the Edit Mode control below the browser, then do one of the following:
Add the clip to the end of the timeline: Tap Append to Storyline in the menu, then tap the Append button.
Add the clip above another clip in the timeline: Tap Connect at Playhead in the menu, then tap the Connect button. The item is added as a connected clip. This method is recommended for object clips (such as shapes), which have a transparent background and are designed to be superimposed over another image.
Insert the clip in the timeline: Tap Insert at Playhead in the menu, then tap the Insert button. The existing clip in the timeline is split, and the background or object clip is inserted at the playhead, pushing the second half of the original clip and all subsequent clips to the right. Your timeline’s duration changes.
Overwrite another clip in the timeline: Tap Overwrite at Playhead in the menu, then tap the Overwrite button. The background or object clip is added to the primary storyline at the playhead, overwriting the rest of the original clip (and potentially subsequent clips) for the duration of the background or object. Your timeline’s duration changes.
You can modify the timing of a generator clip in the timeline, and you can modify some of the clip’s settings—including opacity, blend mode, and color space—in the inspector. See Adjust generators.