Exporting Sequences and ClipsIf you want to convert a Final Cut Express sequence to another digital format for use in computer-based media, exporting is the right choice. You can also export sound files, snippets of clips, or single-frame images. Final Cut Express offers a variety of export formats. When you export, Final Cut Express uses QuickTime's compression codec and file format conversion features to generate a media file on your hard drive in the format you choose. Here's how FCE's export options are organized: When you choose File > Export, you'll see two QuickTime media export options: QuickTime Movie and Using QuickTime Conversion. (Figure 19.14 ). Figure 19.14. When you choose File > Export, you'll see FCE's palette of media export options. LiveType and Soundtrack export options will appear only if FCE detects those applications on your computer.
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What's a Reference Movie?The Export > QuickTime Movie feature offers the option of exporting your FCE clip or sequence as a reference movie. A reference movie is a bit of QuickTime media-handling wizardry. A small file that contains no media (except for a render file of your mixed sequence audio, plus video render files for parts of your exported sequence that haven't been rendered yet), a reference movie simply points to the original media files used in the exported sequence. Apple's Compressor program, which is bundled with Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio Pro, or third-party media compression programs, such as Cleaner, can use the reference movie pointer information from that small file to process the compressed version of your sequence using the larger original media files. iDVD or DVD Studio Pro can also use FCE reference movies to create a DVD disk image of your sequence. Reference movies work with any QuickTime-compatible compression application that's installed on the same computer as your Final Cut Express system. The compression program must have access to the original QuickTime source media files for your reference movie to work. You won't see a "Make Reference Movie" option in the Save dialog box for the Export QuickTime Movie function. The only way to export your Final Cut Express clip or sequence as a reference movie is to leave Make Movie Self-Contained unchecked. Pretty esoteric, huh? |
The Export > QuickTime Movie command is the right choice when you want to export a sequence using the same sequence settings you used in the project.
The Save dialog box for the Export QuickTime Movie function opens with your current Sequence preset already loaded. Specify whether to include audio or video, or both; then specify your marker export preference, and you're done.
QuickTime Movie is the only export format that offers the option of exporting your sequence as a QuickTime reference movie.
Because the QuickTime Movie format supports the export of both chapter markers and reference movies, it's the right export choice when you want to use iDVD or DVD Studio Pro to create a DVD of your FCE project.
To export a clip or sequence as a QuickTime movie:
1. | Do one of the following:
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2. | Set In and Out points in your clip or sequence to mark the section you want to include in the exported file. If you want to export the entire item, clear any In and Out points from the item before export (Figure 19.17 ). Figure 19.17. If you want to include the entire length of your sequence, be sure to clear any In and Out points before you export.
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3. | Choose File > Export > QuickTime Movie. The Save dialog box appears. This is your opportunity to review and confirm the export format settings. |
4. | From the Include pop-up menu, choose Audio and Video, Audio Only, or Video Only (Figure 19.18 ). Figure 19.18. Make a selection from the Include pop-up menu. You can export audio plus video, or audio or video only.
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5. | If you want to export markers along with your file, select the type of markers you want to export from the Markers pop-up menu (Figure 19.19 ). Figure 19.19. Choose Chapter Markers from the Markers pop-up menu to export chapter markers for use in iDVD 3 or DVD SP.
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6. | Do one of the following:
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7. | Type a name for your file in the Save As field and select a destination folder; then click Save. |
Tip
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To export a Final Cut Express movie for use in iDVD or DVD Studio Pro:
1. | Follow steps 1 through 4 in the previous task, "To export a clip or sequence as a QuickTime movie." |
2. | If you want to export chapter markers along with your file, choose Chapter Markers from the Markers pop-up menu. |
3. | Do one of the following:
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4. | In the Save dialog box, type a name for your file in the Save As field and select a destination folder; then click Save. The exported movie contains any sequence markers you have designated as chapter markers (Figure 19.22 ). Figure 19.22. Open your exported reference movie in QuickTime Player, and you'll see a pop-up menu containing your exported chapter markers
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Name and number your chapter markers as you add them so you can easily spot any errors.
Here's a quick way to review your chapter markers before you export: Control-click the Timeline ruler to see a pop-up menu of sequence markers in the current sequence (Figure 19.23 ).
FCE Protocol: DVD Chapter MarkersIt's very simple to export a QuickTime Movie with chapter markers that you can import into iDVD or DVD Studio Pro, but you should be aware of a few rules governing the number and placement of chapter markers:
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