Welcome back to another Final Cut Pro article! You can learn all Final Cut Pros’ bells and whistles, but that won’t mean anything unless you can export your film! That is why we will cover how to export in Final Cut Pro. Don’t worry; the hard part is over. Now you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. I always imagine the export as a fresh meal out of the oven. Yum.

How to Export in Final Cut Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

Exporting a project can be extremely daunting when you are first starting out. What video codec should I choose? Is my resolution correct? What about my audio? I completely understand how you feel, and I was there once too. Especially if you are doing client work, you want to make sure you get hired again!

Thankfully, Final Cut Pro does a lot of that work for you when you are just starting out. Their base settings usually don’t have to change unless you are doing something specific. In addition to the video codec and playback software, the format you choose to export your Final Cut Pro project can also have a big impact on the final quality and file size of your exported video. Two popular formats that Final Cut Pro users may encounter are H.264 and ProRes.

Without further adieu, let’s export some projects!

How To Export Your Project in Final Cut Pro:

How To Export:

  1. Select the project you want to export
  2. File
  3. Share
  4. Export File (default)

Export file keyboard shortcut: Command + E

  1. Rename your project under the info tab (optional)
  2. In the settings tab, you can change the format, video codec, and your desired playback software
  3. Click Next
  4. Choose your export destination
  5. Save
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Pro Tip #1:

For faster exports that you don’t need to change too many settings for, click the Share button in the top right corner. From there, you can select different presets based on your needs. You can select other preset destinations by clicking “add destination,” where you will see all of their other options that you can dock. I use this sparingly since I prefer to have more control over my projects. If you select one of these presets and something doesn’t work, you will be spending more time trying to find what went wrong as opposed to doing it all manually.

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Pro Tip #2:

By default, the title of your project will be the same as the project title within Final Cut. Changing the title doesn’t change the name of the project. You are only choosing an export name.

Pro Tip #3:

If you notice that your resolution isn’t what you want for export, you can’t change it in those settings. You have to change it within the project before exporting.

Pro Tip #4:

If your “Share” button is greyed out, make sure you have your project selected and not your library. It’s a common mistake but easily fixable. So no need to freak out! You can see what you have highlighted because it will be highlighted in blue instead of grey. Another great thing about Final Cut is that you don’t have to have the proper timeline open before exporting. You can export another project while still being able to work on your main timeline.

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Pro Tip #5:

You don’t have to export your entire project if you just want to have a small part of your edit approved. You can select certain clips or ranges and export those.

FAQs About Export in Final Cut Pro

Can I Export Multiple Projects at Once?

Yes, you can! This is referred to as batch sharing. Select your projects in the browser window and go through the same steps as a single file export. However, they will export with the same settings you select in your export window. So if you want them to have different outputs, export them one at a time.

Can I Export Multiple Projects at Once In Different Libraries?

No, if you want to export projects in different libraries, you have to export them one at a time.

Can I Export An XML or MXF?

To export an XML, select File > Export XML > and then select your destination and what version of an XML you need. For an MXF, go to File > Share > Export File (default), and in the settings tab under format, select MXF. This option will only be available to you based on the resolution of your project and the video codec you wish to export, so keep that in mind!

Can I Export Just Audio or Video?

Absolutely! Once you have completed the steps: File > Share > Export File (default) command + E, click on the settings tab and select the arrows next to format. From there, you can select Video and Audio, Video Only, or Audio Only.

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And That is How You Export in Final Cut Pro!

As you can see, exporting a project in Final Cut Pro is super simple! Don’t forget to adjust your project settings to a lower res if you have to send it out for approval. Save yourself the render time! I hope you have found this article to be helpful and that you see all the different possibilities with export.

Further Resources on How to Export in Final Cut Pro:

In addition to the step-by-step guide we provided, there are many additional resources available to help you master the art of exporting in Final Cut Pro. From online tutorials to third-party plugins, these resources can provide you with additional insights and techniques that you can use to streamline your workflow and take your video projects to the next level. Here are just a few of the top resources available for anyone looking to learn more about exporting in Final Cut Pro.

  1. Apple’s Final Cut Pro User Guide: Apple provides a comprehensive user guide for Final Cut Pro that covers everything from basic editing to advanced export settings. Check out their guide for more information on exporting in Final Cut Pro.
  2. Final Cut Pro Tutorials and Videos: If you’re a visual learner, you might find it helpful to watch some tutorial videos on exporting in Final Cut Pro. Our website has a wealth of tutorials that can help you learn more about this topic.
  3. Online Forums and Communities: If you have specific questions about exporting in Final Cut Pro, consider checking out online forums and communities dedicated to Final Cut Pro. Websites like Apple Support Communities, Reddit, and Creative Cow have active Final Cut Pro communities where you can ask questions and get answers from other users.
  4. Final Cut Pro Plugins: Finally, there are a number of third-party plugins available that can help you streamline your export process and get even better results. Check out websites like FxFactory, MotionVFX, and Red Giant for some popular plugins that can enhance your Final Cut Pro workflow.

By using these resources, you can continue to improve your Final Cut Pro exporting skills and take your video projects to the next level.

In-House Final Cut Pro Resources

If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs and troubleshooting on FCP, here are some additional posts about Final Cut Pro:

Let me know in the comments if you have any thoughts or questions about certain features. Happy filmmaking!