Final Cut Pro workflow using Match Frame
As an editor I find one of the most useful functions in Final Cut Pro to be the Match Frame function. When you're moving through a sequence, Match Frame can really keep a good flow going. Instead of having to go look for a clip, we can use Match Frame to load a previous reference of the desired clip into the viewer.
By parking over a clip in the timeline, and performing a Match Frame, Final Cut will load the original source clip into the viewer. The name Match Frame comes from the fact that Final Cut will match the exact frame the playhead is at in the timeline, to the frame the playhead is at once it is loaded into the Viewer. In addition to matching the frame, Final Cut will also set the in and out point in the Viewer with the corresponding in and out point from the clip in the Timeline. Once the Source Clip is loaded into the Viewer, you can set new in and out points and bring a new reference into the Timeline. In other words if I have a 30 second clip, and I use the first 5 seconds as a clip in my sequence, then load 3 different clips into the Viewer. Now I can Match Frame the 5 second clip into the Viewer, and choose the last 5 seconds as a new clip. This may sound confusing, but it is without a doubt one of the most useful functions in Final Cut Pro. It is not the same as double clicking on a clip in the timeline to load it in the Viewer, because if you set new in and out points in the Viewer it will change the clip in the Timeline.
To perform a Match Frame all you have to do is park over a clip in the Timeline, and hit the "F" key. If you are not using the Match Frame function now try adding it into your workflow, you will be glad you did.
Here is another scenario that the Match Frame function can save you time and frustration. You bring a clip into your sequence without the attached audio. Down the road you decide you need the audio. Instead of trying to figure out the in and out points so the audio you bring in matches up with the video that is already there, you just press one key ("F") and then bring the matching audio right in.
By parking over a clip in the timeline, and performing a Match Frame, Final Cut will load the original source clip into the viewer. The name Match Frame comes from the fact that Final Cut will match the exact frame the playhead is at in the timeline, to the frame the playhead is at once it is loaded into the Viewer. In addition to matching the frame, Final Cut will also set the in and out point in the Viewer with the corresponding in and out point from the clip in the Timeline. Once the Source Clip is loaded into the Viewer, you can set new in and out points and bring a new reference into the Timeline. In other words if I have a 30 second clip, and I use the first 5 seconds as a clip in my sequence, then load 3 different clips into the Viewer. Now I can Match Frame the 5 second clip into the Viewer, and choose the last 5 seconds as a new clip. This may sound confusing, but it is without a doubt one of the most useful functions in Final Cut Pro. It is not the same as double clicking on a clip in the timeline to load it in the Viewer, because if you set new in and out points in the Viewer it will change the clip in the Timeline.
To perform a Match Frame all you have to do is park over a clip in the Timeline, and hit the "F" key. If you are not using the Match Frame function now try adding it into your workflow, you will be glad you did.
Here is another scenario that the Match Frame function can save you time and frustration. You bring a clip into your sequence without the attached audio. Down the road you decide you need the audio. Instead of trying to figure out the in and out points so the audio you bring in matches up with the video that is already there, you just press one key ("F") and then bring the matching audio right in.
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