[Doug Metz]

I haven’t seen a non-360 channel blur, but haven’t really looked either. Could maybe build one in Motion?

[Doug Metz]

Hi Basil!

Your problem is that you’re editing from the flash drive. It is most likely formatted ExFAT, and strange behaviors will not stop until you copy the files to a different, APFS or HFS+ formatted drive (GUID partition map, too).

Best to get an external Thunderbolt SSD that is properly formatted, and edit off of that.

[Doug Metz]

I think you’re applying 360º versions of those effects. They can be unpredictable if you’re not editing on a 360 timeline.

Remove/replace with non-360 effects.

[Doug Metz]

Hey Scott,

I realize you’ve sorted this out, but wanted to point out something that was overlooked.

There were a couple of options open to you:

1. Start with your timeline at the output resolution that you’re targeting. By default, video/images are set to ‘fit’ within frame in the Inspector (Spatial Conform). Easy to override/modify.

2. Duplicate your oversized timeline, and then with it selected in the browser, go to the inspector and change the resolution to your desired output resolution. You can change this on any populated timeline. Frame rate can only be set/changed on an empty timeline.

[Doug Metz]

I’m also wondering about your storage – drive type, formatting, and how they’re connected.

A couple of things you can test to see if they help:

– turn off the inspector when not needed (this one surprised me)

– switch the browser to list view and untick ‘Waveforms’ there

– could also try turning off any visual effects, again just to test interface responsiveness

[Doug Metz]

“Now I’m wondering if I should just skip transcoding everything to the same codec/frame rate and just import it all as is, edit the project and then see if it’ll export after the edit is done without issue.“

This would be my choice. Bring in the source (turn off auto-render), and let ‘er rip. It’ll save time and drive space, though if you’re bringing in long-GOP footage you may want to transcode prior to import anyway – those old Intel machines really struggle with it.

Test it and see what you can get away with.

[Doug Metz]

Hm. Very strange.

Okay, next thing I’d try is this:

1. Reboot the machine

2. Open the problem library in FCP

3. Select the library itself in Final Cut’s browser, and relink all of the files/original media

4. Re-test

[Doug Metz]

Without seeing the full error, or a screen recording of the steps taken to achieve it, I’d suggest beginning by resetting the app’s preferences. From Apple:

You can reset Final Cut Pro settings to their original values.

• Press Option-Command while opening Final Cut Pro.

  Final Cut Pro resets the settings and adds a file named VideoAppDiagnostics-FinalCut to the desktop, containing a record of your previous settings.

[Doug Metz]

“I do start by creating Libraries and leaving my data in place.“

I’ve found this to be good practice, since I re-use much of my media in different projects. To keep track of everything outside of Final Cut, I use an app called NeoFinder (which I began using over 20 years ago when it was called CDFinder). It has been an essential tool for me, and I highly recommend – https://www.cdfinder.de/

I’d also recommend turning Off background rendering, and using fast external storage. I got in the habit of reserving my boot disk for OS and Apps Only long ago.

“The creation of Events has been challenging particularly as one project is potentially one hour long. And Projects equalling Sequences is another thing I am getting my head around. For the long film I am doing I would like to cut it in sections then join those sections together and then fine cut. What do you think would be the best work around for this? “

For larger, long-form projects, I use a single library. Then create individual events for each shoot, and another event for timelines, GFX, and music. Creating multiple timelines for segments of a single long film is perfectly fine, and there are multiple ways to merge the resulting segments.

As always, maintain a backup. Happy cutting!

[Doug Metz]

FWIW, you’ll be able to use the XML exports with pretty much anything, but FCPX really is a joy to use once you get the hang of it.

Happy to answer any questions you might have.