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Final Cut Pro – Setting the Default Transition

update

Here’s a fast way to set, or change, the default audio or video transition:

1. Click the Effects tab in the Browser

2. Twirl down Video Transitions

3. Find the transition you want to make your new default.

4. Change the length, if needed, by double-clicking in the Length column to the right of the transition name.

5. Control-click the name of the transition and select Set Default Transition.

This same procedure works for changing the default audio transition, except that audio transitions are stored in the Audio Transition folder, also in the Effects tab.

Final Cut Pro – Creating Moves on Still Images

TIp Jar

Looking for a quick way to create movement on still images (i.e. the “Ken Burns’ effect”)?

The solution turns out to be very simple. Make a separate folder in iPhoto called “image montage” (or whatever name suits your fancy) and select only the shots you want to move. Then, in iPhoto, choose “Ken Burns effect”, set a dissolve duration of one second or faster, then export it as a QuickTime movie (.mov). Import the file into FCP, edit it to the timeline and render.

Ta-DAH!, a really cool montage with Ken Burns effects.

When creating this effect in iPhoto, you may notice that the motion is randomly applied, in both direction and location on picture. Although you cannot control the type of motion, you CAN drag the picture to set where the movement will end. You are essentially setting the key focal point. This is a handy tip when iPhoto decides to pan down to a crotch rather than up to a face.

(Courtesy of Eric Cosh & John Kaplan)