Exporting separate clips in Final Cut Pro, especially when working with a project containing many individual shots, can be efficiently done by leveraging FCP's organization features, such as Collections or Smart Collections, to group the clips you wish to export individually.
One common method involves selecting the clips you want to export separately directly within the timeline or browser and then using an export function designed for batch export or sending clips to another application like Compressor for advanced batch processing. The reference specifically points towards using project organization: "...with my project selected i'm going to open the smart collection tab. I'm going to double click all video. And we're going to create a new collection." This indicates a workflow where clips are organized into collections for processing, likely batch exporting.
Methods for Exporting Individual Clips
While Final Cut Pro doesn't have a single "export separate clips" button for a whole project by default, several workflows achieve this:
1. Using Collections or Smart Collections (Based on Reference)
This method, hinted at in the reference, involves organizing your clips first:
- Select your project: In the Libraries sidebar.
- Open the Smart Collection tab: Locate the collections area.
- Navigate to "All Video": Double-click this option (as mentioned in the reference). This might show all video clips in your library or project.
- Create a New Collection: Group the specific clips you want to export together or individually. You can manually drag clips into a new regular Collection or set up criteria for a Smart Collection.
- Export from the Browser: Once your clips are organized in a Collection, you can select multiple clips in the Browser and export them. Final Cut Pro allows exporting multiple selected clips simultaneously, creating separate files for each.
- Tip: Naming your clips clearly before this step will result in well-named exported files.
2. Selecting Clips Directly in the Timeline or Browser
If you don't need to use Collections for organization:
- Select multiple clips: Command-click individual clips in the browser or the timeline, or drag a selection box.
- Go to File > Share: Choose your desired export destination (e.g., Master File, YouTube, etc.).
- Adjust Settings: In the export window, ensure the settings are correct. Since you selected multiple clips, FCP will typically export each selected clip as a separate file.
- Benefit: Quick for exporting a specific set of clips without prior organization.
3. Using Roles
Assigning different roles (like 'Dialogue', 'Music', 'Effects') or creating custom roles to clips in your timeline allows for advanced export options. You can export stems based on roles, but this typically groups audio or video by role, not as individual clips. However, you can use roles to isolate clips you want to export and then select them.
4. Sending to Compressor
For maximum control over batch exports and settings presets:
- Select clips: In the Final Cut Pro browser or timeline.
- Go to File > Send to Compressor: This opens Compressor with your selected clips imported as separate jobs.
- Apply Presets: Choose your desired export settings for each job or apply a preset to all.
- Submit Batch: Compressor renders each clip as a separate file based on the settings.
- Advantage: Powerful batch processing, custom presets, and monitoring capabilities.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Organization Required? | Best For | Batch Processing? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collections / Smart Collections | Yes (Prior) | Organized projects, frequent clip exports | Yes |
| Direct Selection | No | Quick export of specific, scattered clips | Yes |
| Using Roles | Yes (Timeline) | Isolating types of media, complex projects | Limited (by role) |
| Send to Compressor | No (Can select directly) | Advanced users, custom settings, large batches | Yes (Robust) |
Exporting separate clips is essential for workflows like sending individual shots for color grading, visual effects, or creating archives. Using the methods above, particularly selecting multiple clips in the browser or timeline and sharing them, allows Final Cut Pro to process each as an independent export job.
