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Layered Photoshop PSD files to FCP timeline
Hi:
I’m trying to bring a layered Photoshop (version CS3) file to the timeline in Final Cut Pro (version 6) and have the layers in the PSD file appear as different video layers in the FCP timeline. I’m working on a lower-third title graphic. I wish to stagger the appearance of the elements of the lower-third graphic so as to have the graphic appear to “build” in the FCP timeline.
Processes I’ve tried: 1) Open a new document from the video presets in PS CS3. 2) Create the elements of color bars and text as individual layers. 3) Save the file as a PSD file-type with maximum compatibility turned on. I’ve also tried starting with a new document, 720×480, 72 DPI, 8-bit color, RGB, transparent background. The rest is the same as the previous process.
When I bring either of these into the FCP timeline, they appear as a single layer showing the composite effect of the combined layers.
This technique seems so simple nothing could go wrong, however….
I’ll also post this in the Photoshop forum.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Argus
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7 Replies
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Are you making this PSD file on a Mac?
All the best,
Tom
Class on Demand DVDs “Complete Training for FCP6,” “Basic Training for FCS2” and “Final Cut Express Made Easy”
Author: “Final Cut Pro 5 Editing Essentials” and “Final Cut Express 4 Editing Workshop” -
Hi:
No, I’m in the PC.
Thanks.
Argus
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The Photoshop file has to be saved in the Mac version of Photoshop for the ayer structure to be maintained.
All the best,
Tom
Class on Demand DVDs “Complete Training for FCP6,” “Basic Training for FCS2” and “Final Cut Express Made Easy”
Author: “Final Cut Pro 5 Editing Essentials” and “Final Cut Express 4 Editing Workshop” -
Thanks. I’ll give it a try.
Argus
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It can be saved on a PC.
Just go under the Preferences to File handling and check the Mac compatibility switch
Richard M. Harrington, PMP
Author: Photoshop for Video, Understanding Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Studio On the Spot and ATS:iWork
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Hi Richard:
I’m using CS3, standard edition, on the PC. When I go to: Edit>Preferences>File Handling, I see a number of options, but nothing to do with Mac compatibility. There is an option for “Maximize PSD and PSB file compatibility.” I have that set to “ask” and I do save the files for FCP with the maximum compatibility. Is the Mac option somewhere else in the standard CS3 version? Thanks.
Argus.
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I was just messing with this kind of thing last week, same kind of photoshop file, in FCP and Motion. I took a still of a portrait of some musician into ‘shop, cut it up into layers to do the “2 &1/2-D” animation thing, with forced perspective.
There was a dialog box, either on export from PS or during import in Final Cut or Motion, (don’t remember clearly now) that asked if I wanted to import it as flattened or if I wanted to import with layers present but kept separated. That choice was obvious to me at the time, you want the layers kept separate. I’m surprised the dialog box didn’t appear for you, but maybe I’m mis-remembering. What I do remember was how much my FCP timeline playback slowed down, working with that stack of high-rez layers…
I think for making lower thirds this way, I would prefer to build them in Motion by importing the photoshop file as a motion project. Or you can build it in Livetype in similar fashion. Sure you can do it in FCP, but maybe Motion is a better way because not only can you export a canned MOV with alpha of the finished effect from there right back into FCP, you can update the motion file easier for changes or new versions IMO, as well as keep the FCP timelines a wee bit cleaner.
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