Tutorial: How to Edit in Final Cut Pro X’s Magnetic Timeline
The magnetic timeline is one of the major revolutionary changes in Apple Final Cut Pro X, and one of the areas editors struggle with when they're coming from track-based NLEs. In this tutorial we'll break it down and show you how to make it work for you.
Using the Trim Tool
You can use the Position tool to clip and drag edit points, but all it’s going to do is move the edit point and it’s not going to ripple, so it’s going to leave a gap in its wake. Another very important tool to note is the Trim tool (T, Figure 15, below).
Figure 15. Choosing the Trim tool
When you hover the Trim tool over an edit point it becomes a Roll tool that enables you to roll your edit point left or right. If you hover your cursor in the middle of a clip and click and drag, it becomes a slip edit. And if you do the same thing while holding down the option key, it becomes a slide edit (Figure 16, below).
Figure 16. Performing a slide edit with the Trim tool
This is another great example of how these tools work a lot more efficiently in Final Cut Pro X. This one tool performs the functions of three separate tools in Final Cut Pro 7.
So, that’s all I have for now: a basic introduction to the new magnetic primary storyline. Bear in mind that this is only scratching the surface of what you can do in the new trackless timeline in Final Cut Pro X; however, it’s important to have a strong understanding of these behaviors. The better understanding you have now, the better foundation you’ll be building as a new Final Cut Pro editor.
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