Introduction
Introduction to the course
Why use Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro UI
Keyboard shortcuts
Editing
Introduction to editing
Initial set-up
Set-up and import
Creating your timeline
Correcting audio
Correcting color
Adjusting the generator
Adjusting the screen recording
Adjusting facecam
Rough cut
Fine tuning
Animation
Titles and text
Transitions
Graphics
Motion and animation
Exporting
Exporting
Revisions and updates
Outro
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Exporting
Exporting

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Summary

Exporting your screencast from Final Cut Pro involves selecting the right settings to ensure high-quality, shareable video files. You’ll learn how to export in MP4 format using H.264, adjust resolution for HD or 4K, and take advantage of background exporting. Final steps include quality checks and version control, ensuring your final product is polished and ready for upload or delivery.

Video Transcript

Exporting your screencast in Final Cut Pro

You've put in the hard work, now it's time to export your screencast and share it with the world. This guide will help you export your video from Final Cut Pro using the ideal settings for quality and efficiency.

Preparing for export

Before exporting, ensure your project is highlighted and everything looks perfect in your Final Cut Pro timeline. To begin exporting, navigate to the right side to find the export, or "share" window. Final Cut Pro offers several built-in options for resolution, including 720, 1080, or 4K, typically for Apple devices. However, for platforms like Vimeo or YouTube, you’ll want an MP4 file rather than the default M4V.

Choosing the appropriate export settings

  1. Export File Format: Select the first option, "Export File - Default," which opens the export window. Confirm everything is good in your edited project.

  2. Settings Adjustment: Choose video and audio in the settings tab, and you have the option to export only video or only audio. When exporting both, an Apple ProRes 422 video codec is frequently used, but for final output, H.264 is preferable. Change the format to "Computer" under the publishing settings to achieve H.264.

  3. Resolution and Codec: Adjust the resolution to 1920x1080 or 3840x2160 for 4K, ensuring it's in Rec. 709. Opt for a single pass faster encoding - it's efficient and offers satisfactory results.

File size and output destination

With settings configured, the file should now be an MP4 with a manageable size. Save the export to a relevant folder, such as the one created during your organization phase.

Background exporting in Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro’s advantage is the ability to continue working on projects while exporting, thanks to its background tasks feature. Monitor exporting progress in the background tasks window, which displays current jobs and rendering information.

Quality control and final checks

Once exporting is done, review your final cut to catch any last-minute issues undetected during editing. Common issues may include audio glitches or transition errors. Always conduct a quality check before sending the project to a client or uploading it online.

Versioning for multiple edits

Consider naming exported files with version numbers (e.g., V1, V2) when making multiple revisions. This practice helps track changes and manage versions efficiently.

Next steps: Handling revisions

With your screencast exported, you’ve achieved a significant milestone. In the next lesson, we'll delve into managing revisions and updates as you refine your screencasting skills.