Final cut pro 10.3.4, best export settings on compressor

Final Cut Pro 10.3.4: Best Export Settings with Compressor for Professional-Quality Videos

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When you've outgrown iMovie's basic editing capabilities and are ready to take your video production skills to the next level, Final Cut Pro (FCP) is an essential tool in every editor's arsenal. With its powerful features and flexibility, FCP offers a world of possibilities for creating professional-grade videos.

However, even with such advanced software comes the challenge of exporting your finished projects in formats that are compatible across various platforms and devices while maintaining optimal quality. This article will guide you through setting up the best export settings using Compressor 3.5 (included free with FCP) to ensure seamless distribution of your masterpieces.

Understanding Export Options

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Before diving into specific export options, it's essential to understand the different file formats available in Final Cut Pro:

* QuickTime: The default format for Macs and compatible with most modern devices.

* MPEG-2 HD/DVD: Ideal for Blu-ray or standard definition (SD) DVD authoring.

Choosing the Right Export Format

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When deciding on an export format, consider several factors:

1. Destination: Will your video be viewed primarily on Macs, iPads/iPhones, or other devices?

2. Resolution and frame rate: Are you working with HD footage at 1080p/59.97i or SD material at lower resolutions?

For most professional applications, exporting as QuickTime (MOV) is usually sufficient.

Setting Up Export Settings in Compressor

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1. Launch Final Cut Pro.

2. Open your project and go to File > Export & Share.

3. Select the desired export format from the drop-down menu:

* For web-optimized delivery, choose H264

* For Blu-ray or SD DVD authoring, select MPEG-4

4. In the next window, click on the Settings... button to access advanced options.

5. Adjust these settings based on your specific needs:

### Resolution and Frame Rate

* Choose a resolution that matches your source material (e.g., 1080p for HD or 720x480/576 for SD).

* For NTSC footage, select 59.97i; for PAL content, choose 50i.

### Color Space

For compatibility with most devices and players:

* Select either 709 (for standard definition) or Rec601 (for 4:2:0 profiles).

### Audio Settings

1. Choose the desired audio codec:

* For high-quality, choose Stereo Uncompressed

* For smaller files, select AAC-LA/AC-3

2. Adjust sample rate and bit depth as needed.

Optimizing for Small File Sizes

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If you're working with large projects or need to export videos quickly:

1. Reduce the resolution without compromising picture quality.

2. Use lossy codecs like H264 or AAC-LA/AC-3 instead of Uncompressed.

3. Consider using variable bit rate (VBR) encoding, which adjusts bitrate based on scene complexity.

Exporting with Final Cut Pro and Compressor

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1. Once you've set up your export settings in the Export dialog box:

* Click Export to begin rendering your project.

2. Alternatively:

### Using Send to Compressor

1. Open your FCP timeline.

2. Go to File > Export & Share, then select 'Compress to Final Cut Pro' from the top right dropdown menu (FCP X and later).

3. In the Export window:

* Choose your desired output format, resolution, frame rate, audio settings as needed.

4. Click Ok to send your project directly into Compressor for transcoding.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

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* If you encounter issues during export or rendering:

1. Check that Final Cut Pro and Compressor are updated to the latest versions (FCP X: v10.3.4, FCP7: v7.0.2).

2. Ensure your system meets minimum hardware requirements for demanding projects.

* If you're experiencing compatibility issues with certain players or devices:

1. Verify that your export settings match the playback device's specifications (e.g., resolution, frame rate, audio codec).

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With these tips and tricks under your belt, you'll be well-equipped to masterfully craft stunning videos using Final Cut Pro 10.3.4 in conjunction with Compressor for professional-grade results every time!

Final cut pro 10.3.4, best export settings on compressor