Setting Duration for Multiple Clip with Avid Xpress

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The task sounds simple. You have a job where you need to put together a quick 'montage video' or 'slide show' with a few hundred photos.

Here is the problem: With Avid Xpress or Media composer, How do you mark in-out points for all those clips at the same time? Plus, don't forget that you will need some handles in order to add all your favorite transitions.

I once had a nightmare job where I had to mark in-out points for hundreds of clips, and then the client kept changing their mind about how long each clip was supposed to be. Don't worry, there is an undocumented trick that will allow you to mark durations for all your clips in a few quick key strokes.

First, load all of your video clips or still images into a single bin. Then click on the 'script' tab at the top of your bin window. Then select all of your clips 'Control A'.

As long as you remain in 'script' mode you can move all of the clips foward or backward a set number of frames. This is done by using the keyboard shortcut(s) 1,2,3,4 keys.

The 1 and 2 keys will move your cips 10 frames forward or backward. The 3 and 4 keys will them them 1 frame forward or background. You can use the 'I' or 'O' keys on your keyboard to mark in and out points for all the clips at the same time.

Remember, this trick only works while in 'Script mode'. It will not work in 'frame mode'

So for example. If you needed all your clips to be exactly 2 seconds. You would first mark an in point using the 'I' key and then push the number 2 key 6 times. 60 frames forward equals 2 seconds. Then press the 'O' key to mark an out-point.