To link all clips together in Final Cut Pro, you essentially want to connect them, typically to the Primary Storyline. Here's how you can do that:
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Connect to Primary Storyline (Q): Select the clip you want to connect to the main storyline. Then, press the
Q
key. This will connect the selected clip directly above the playhead's position in the primary storyline. -
Using the Connect Tool: You can manually connect clips using the "Connect" tool, represented by a chain link icon in the toolbar.
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Dragging to Connect: Select the clip (or multiple clips) you want to connect. Drag the selected clips to the gray area either above or below the Primary Storyline. This will create a connected clip.
Understanding the Primary Storyline:
The Primary Storyline acts as the backbone of your project. Connected clips are visually linked to it, creating a hierarchical structure in your timeline. Moving the clip in the Primary Storyline will move the connected clips along with it.
Example Scenario:
Imagine you have a video clip (Primary Storyline) and you want to add a title card or a graphic overlay. You would place the video clip on the timeline, then drag the title clip above it into the grey area. This creates a connected clip so that the title card stays linked to your video.
Important Considerations:
- Auditioning: You can create auditions from connected clips, allowing you to try out different versions without permanently deleting media.
- Detach Audio: If the clips you want to "link" contain both audio and video, you might want to detach the audio (Control-Shift-S) if you only want to connect the video portion.
By using these methods, you can effectively link clips in Final Cut Pro, creating a structured and organized timeline.