Visual QuickStart Guide [Electronic resources] : Final Cut Express HD for Mac OS X

Learning Final Cut Express

Here are some tips to help you get up and running in Final Cut Express ASAP.

Basic theory

Two sidebars, one in Chapter 1 and another in Chapter 4, are referred to throughout this book. You don't absolutely have to read these to operate the program, but understanding some of the basic concepts underlying the design of the program will make Final Cut Express much easier to learn.

"What Is Nonlinear Nondestructive Editing?" in Chapter 1 explains how nondestructive editing works and how it affects the operation of Final Cut Express.

"FCE Protocol: Clips and Sequences" in Chapter 4 explains the protocols governing clip and sequence versions, which are key to understanding how Final Cut Express works.

FCE is context sensitive

The Final Cut Express interface is context sensitive, which means that the options available in the program's menus and dialog boxes can vary depending on any of the following factors:

• The external video hardware attached to your system

• The setup configuration you specify when you install the program

• The program window that is currently active

• The program selection that you just made

The logic behind the context-sensitive design is sound: to simplify your life by removing irrelevant options from your view. However, because the interface is context sensitive, the menus and dialog boxes in your installation of Final Cut Express may occasionally differ from those in the illustrations shown in this guide.

Keyboard commands

Final Cut Express was designed to support a wide variety of working styles ranging from heavy pointing, clicking, and dragging to entirely keyboard-based editing. More keyboard commands are available than those listed in the individual tasks in this book. You'll find a comprehensive list of keyboard commands in Appendix B.

Shortcut menus

Final Cut Express makes extensive use of shortcut menus. As you are exploring the program, Control-clicking items and interface elements is a quick way to see your options in many areas of the FCE interface, and it can speed up the learning process.

Refer to the manual

Final Cut Express 1 did not come with a printed manual; Apple has partially remedied that situation by including a 100-page (more or less) printed program overview. The most comprehensive FCE reference document is still the onscreen help document,

Final Cut Express Help. This 992-page PDF is installed with FCE and is accessed from FCE's Help menu. FCE HD features are covered in

New Features in Final Cut Express HD, a 16-page PDF.

Apple's manual is a valuable reference tool, but be warned: you'll occasionally run across stray references to Final Cut Pro features that don't exist in Final Cut Express, or FCE features that don't operate as described. I'll occasionally refer you to specific sections of the official manual that cover a topic in more detail than this book can accommodate. (Still, Apple did miss a few items covered here, and unlike the electronic-only manual, you can scribble notes in this Visual QuickStart Guide.)

Check out the Knowledge Base

Apple posts a steady stream of valuable Final Cut Express articles and updates in its online Knowledge Base. The company also posts information about FCE "known issues" (that's corporate-speak for bugs) as Knowledge Base articles. See Appendix A, "Online Resources," for information on locating the Knowledge Base.

The Web is your friend

Using the World Wide Web is an essential part of using Final Cut Express. Apple, as well as the manufacturers of the video hardware you'll be using with Final Cut Express, relies on the Web to inform users of the latest developments and program updates and to provide technical support. You'll find a starter list of online resources in Appendix A and specific URLs sprinkled throughout this book. There are some great sources of information, technical help, and camaraderie out there. If you get stuck or encounter difficulties getting underway, go online and start asking questions. After you've learned the program, go online and answer questions. Helping other people is a great way to learn.

Where to find more information

Check out Appendix A, "Online Resources," for a list of helpful web sites.

Go forth and experiment

If you're new to video productionor even if you're experienced but new to Final Cut Expressit would be wise to test your brand-new DV post-production system on a short, noncritical project before you plunge into that feature-length masterpiece that haunts your dreams. By knocking out a series of short projects, you build up your skills quickly as you learn from your mistakes. Have fun, keep moving, and don't be afraid to experiment.