Save Your Final Cut Pro Project: 3 QUICK Tips

How to Save Your Project in Final Cut Pro

Firstly, it's important to note that Final Cut Pro automatically saves all changes you make as you work on a project. This means you never have to save changes manually. How about that for convenience? If you've made a lot of changes to a clip but want to start fresh, you can easily restore the clip to its original state by adding a new copy of the clip (located in an event in the library) to your project.

Leveraging Library Backups in Final Cut Pro

In addition to automatic saving, Final Cut Pro also makes automatic backups of your library at regular intervals. These backups include the database portion of libraries only, not the media files. Backups are saved with the time and date in the filename. This is crucial in ensuring the organization and safety of your work. Your library will back up on its own with each new project created and every adjustment made.

Before all else, I’d suggest making sure you have enough space to contain a backup of your library. External hard drives are recommended for larger library sizes and to avoid slowing the performance of your own system. You can see the library by accessing the File > Library Properties. Clicking Modify Settings will allow you to change where your backup is located.

Duplicating Your Library

You might as well consider duplicating your library as a backup. This can be done by simply copying and pasting your library (often found in the Movies folder). Depending on the size of your library, this may be a slow process. Nevertheless, the effect will be the same, and you will have a new backup of your Final Cut Pro library. It's also essential to do this so you don't run into oversized library issues in the future.

Saving Your Video File

When you are ready to save or share your work as a video, click File > Share > Master File (default) or press Command + E. After choosing your preferred export options, hit Next, and your file will begin downloading.

Exporting Final Mastering Files

You can use the Export File command to export your completed project as a high-quality file that can be used as the source media for the final stages of professional post-production or broadcast and distribution. Your project is exported as a QuickTime movie. You can also use the Export File option to export an MXF file.

To export roles as separate video, title, audio, or caption tracks in the output media file, click Roles at the top of the Share window, then specify the roles to export. Click Next, choose a location for the exported files, then click Save.

If your video doesn't export fully, try to see if it's a RAM issue as that's the most common cause.

Organizing Your FCP Library

As far as I know, how you import, process, and organize your clips is one of the best ways to save time and avoid stress in editing. For your Final Cut Pro import, select Create Proxy Media, which is optimized for smaller file size and faster editing process. Allow the clips to process, then set your view to Media Playback > Proxy Preferred. Proxy clips are smaller versions of your original clips and won’t drag during playback. Proxies also help to reduce lag when previewing your video within FCPX.

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