I love shortcuts, in software that is. For me, there is nothing better than using the keyboard to speed up my editing workflow in Final Cut Pro X, or any other piece of software for that matter. My friends and colleagues over the years have come to know me as a collector of shortcuts. So, here is my list of favorites from FCPX.
Ctrl + D – Change Duration of Clip
Need to quickly change the duration of a clip? This is a shortcut I use all the time.
Semi Colon and Comma – Move between edits
This one has been around for many years, and actually carries over from other editing programs. It is a very efficient way to jump around the timeline.
ALT + W – Insert Gap
In Final Cut Pro X, Gap is your friend. This shortcut keeps it handy.
C – Select Clip
Perhaps the easiest, but extremely useful — why click the clip with the mouse, when you can just hit C?
Command + K – Add Keywords in the Event Viewer
This is quite helpful when you are in the event viewer, automatically opens the keyword editor.
ALT + X – Event Viewer Clear In-Out Range
This is a helpful one when you just want to delete your edit points and set new in and out points.
Command + R – Show Retime Editor
Used more seldom, but very helpful indeed — easily select a clip and open the retime editor for slow or fast motion.
Command + I – Import Footage and Assets
Another easy one — I use this all the time to quickly open the Import Window.
ALT + G – Create New Compound Clip
This works in the Event Viewer and Project Window — grab a set of clips and easily create a compound clip.
CTRL + S – Expand Audio/Video
Need to do some J or L cuts? This is the quickest way to do it — elect the clip and expand the Audio track(s).