If Final Cut Pro doesn't work on your Mac after an update

If Final Cut Pro doesn't work after updating the app or macOS, check third-party software compatibility.

And before your next updates, back up the Final Cut Pro app and your libraries, check third-party compatibility, and turn off automatic updates on your Mac. If you follow these guidelines, you can avoid disruptions to your workflow caused by incompatible software.

If Final Cut Pro doesn't work after an update

If Final Cut Pro doesn't work after you update the app or macOS:

  • If you're using plug-ins or other software not made by Apple with Final Cut Pro, make sure the products are compatible with your version of macOS and Final Cut Pro. Contact the manufacturer for support. If an update is available, follow the manufacturer's instructions to update the software. If no update is available, you might need to disable or remove the software until an update is available.

  • If you backed up Final Cut Pro before updating the app, revert to the backed-up version of the app, then try to complete work on your active projects. If you already opened your libraries in the updated version of Final Cut Pro, you'll have to restore a recent backup of your libraries that hasn't been opened in the new, updated version of Final Cut Pro.

Before you update Final Cut Pro and macOS

If you're using third-party software with Final Cut Pro, always do the following before updating Final Cut Pro and macOS:

  • Back up your current version of the Final Cut Pro app and your libraries

  • Check third-party software compatibility

  • Turn off automatic software updates on your Mac

Back up Final Cut Pro

Before you update Final Cut Pro on your Mac, back up your current copy of the Final Cut Pro application and your existing libraries. As a safety measure, periodically back up Final Cut Pro files. When you have backups, you can restore the app and your libraries on your Mac or move your files to another Mac so you can continue working on these projects in an earlier version of Final Cut Pro if you have an issue after an update.

Check third-party compatibility

Take note of all the third-party software and hardware you're using with your Mac. (Third-party software can include video and audio plug-ins, other video apps, utilities, security, antivirus, and malware software.) Then contact the developers to make sure their products are compatible with the Final Cut Pro and macOS updates that you want to install.

  • Developers can tell you if they have a software update. Follow their instructions to update their software.

  • If they don't have an update, follow the developers' instructions for removing incompatible software before you update Final Cut Pro or macOS.

Turn off automatic updates

Turn off automatic updates for Final Cut Pro and macOS so you can check third-party software and hardware compatibility before you update.

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click General in the sidebar.

  2. Click Software Update on the right.

  3. Click the Info buttonthe Info button next to Automatic Updates, turn off "Install macOS updates" and "Install application updates from the App Store," then click Done.

When you turn off automatic updates, you'll have to manually update the Final Cut Pro app and update macOS.

Still not working?

Learn what to do if Final Cut Pro isn't working

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