Use layered graphics files in Final Cut Pro

Find out how to get the best results when using layered graphics files in your Final Cut Pro project on your Mac.

In Final Cut Pro, you can add a layered graphics file, such as an Adobe Photoshop (PSD) file, to your Final Cut Pro project and then edit it as a connected clip in the Timeline.

This article explains how to create the file to get the best results for use in your project, and how to change the duration of the file and resize it once it's in your project.

Create a layered graphics file

You can create a layered graphics file for use in Final Cut Pro in an application such as Adobe Photoshop. Follow these guidelines when you're creating the file to get the best results.

Colour mode

Create the file in 8-bit RGB Color mode. If you try to import a file with a different colour mode into your Final Cut Pro project:

• Layers in a file created in 16-bit Color mode are flattened when they're imported. Create the file in 8-bit RGB mode to maintain the file's layers in your project.

• A file created in 32-bit Color mode will not be imported.

• A file in colour modes such as CMYK Color, Lab Color or Bitmap will not be imported.

Frame size

Create the file at a frame size that's compatible with the television or film pixel dimensions used in the Final Cut Pro project. Photoshop, for example, has presets for common video and film pixel dimensions.

Photoshop adjustment layers

Flatten any Photoshop adjustment layers prior to importing the file into Final Cut Pro. You can save a copy of the file with adjustments layers flattened for use in Final Cut Pro and also keep a master version of the file with the adjustment layers intact. This allows you to make further changes to the adjustment layers if necessary.

Photoshop blend modes

If the file includes blend modes, for best results use blend modes in Photoshop that have equivalent Final Cut Pro blend modes.

Visible and hidden layers

If a file includes visible and hidden layers, they are enabled and disabled accordingly when added to the Timeline of your project. You can enable and disable a layer in Final Cut Pro by selecting the layer in the Timeline and pressing the V key.

Embedded colour profiles

Final Cut Pro recognises the embedded colour profile of a layered graphics file, if the file was saved with one. To view the embedded colour profile of a file in Final Cut Pro:

1. Select the file.

2. Choose Window > Go To > Inspector.

3. Click the Info button at the top of the inspector.

4. Choose Extended from the Metadata pop-up menu.

5. Scroll in the inspector to view the Color profile metadata field.

Change the duration of a layered graphics file

By default, Final Cut Pro sets the duration of a layered graphics file to one minute. You can change the duration of the file in the browser, so the file maintains that length when used in other libraries or projects.

To change the duration of a layered graphics file:

1. Control-click the layered graphics file and choose Open Clip from the menu. The file opens in its own Timeline showing the individual layers.

2. Choose Edit > Select All to select all layers.

3. Choose Modify > Change Duration. The timecode entry field appears in the Dashboard.

4. Type in the duration, then press Enter. Final Cut Pro supports durations of up to 24 hours.

Resize a layered graphics file

1. Select the file and choose Window > Go To > Inspector.

2. Click the Video button at the top of the inspector.

3. Do any of the following to resize the file:

   • Conform the frame size of the file to match the project's frame size settings using the Spatial Conform options (Fit, Fill or None).

   • Resize, move, rotate or reposition the graphics file or individual layers using the Transform built-in effect.

   • Crop the file using the Crop built-in effect.