Using the Ripple & Roll tools in Final Cut Pro

By Sandy on March 10, 2009 1:58 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

A great tool that will save you time and headaches is the Ripple tool. The Ripple Tool is found in the Tool Palette and is also right next to the Roll Tool. The keyboard shortcut to the Ripple tool is (rr). The Ripple Tool allows you to manipulate edit points within the timeline by allowing you to trim the in or the out of a clip forward or back depending on the media limits. The ripple tool only allows for the edit of one side of the clip at a time, either the in or the out. The ripple tool automatically trims the clip, while closing the gap. This saves you from having to delete the cut portion and then close the gap. Ripple does it all in one step.

The Roll Tool will also save you time by allowing you to move an edit forward or back, subject to media limits. Again, you can find the Roll Tool in the Tool Palette just under the Ripple Tool or, by using the keboard shortcut (r). This tool moves both the in and out point in sync together, left or right on the two clips at an edit point in the timeline. Another way to perform a roll edit is with the Extend tool.