Final Cut Pro Beginner Tutorial | Up and Running in 15 Minutes!

Let's jumpstart your journey into Final Cut Pro! In this quickstart guide for beginners, learn the very basics to getting started in FCP in less than 15 minutes.
To get a more in depth lesson, pick up Final Cut Rock Start here: jennjager.com/jager-products/...
To see more FCP tutorials, Subscribe to my Jenn Jager Pro Tutorials channel here: / @jennjagerpro
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Opening a new Library in Final Cut Pro
02:25 Importing Media in Final Cut Pro
04:21 Selecting Clips for Edit in Browser
04:50 Creating a Timeline in FCP
05:47 Building a Sequence in Final Cut Pro
09:26 Scaling up or Zooming into Shots in FCP
10:09 Where are the color correct tools in FCP?
10:21 Adjusting Volume of clips in Final Cut Pro
10:24 How to Add Effects in FCP
11:35 Adding Text to Videos in Final Cut Pro
12:32 How to Add Transitions in FCP
13:59 Exporting Videos in Final Cut Pro
Visit www.jennjager.com to learn more.
Shop My Gear!
Camera: amzn.to/330jcFP
Lights: amzn.to/2G5Ztvm
Microphone: amzn.to/30kyeFc
Headphones: amzn.to/2RQhOPF
Music Library: bit.ly/3raqXTU
For event bookings, sponsorships or collaborations email [e-mail]
For professional video production services, visit www.plumproductionsmedia.com
Follow me on Instagram @jennjagervideo
Follow me on Facebook: / myvideo101
When you purchase products through links on my page, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

[@nbrown6648]

This is by far, far, far (I guess that's enough to make the point) the best getting started tutorial I have found for FCP. I finally get how it all works - thank you !

[@bambubombon]

So well structured and so clearly explained! Loved this… ❤thanks a million😊

[@willcountydrone2022]

Going from iMovie to Final Cut Pro! I found the learning curve a little challenging. I think with your videos I should continue to get better with time! Ty

[@Dr.Pin007]

Thank you. Very helpful. You’re straight to the point, and don’t over talk like the other tutorial videos.

[@SingleFocusCoaching]

Thank you for always posting great content that is easy to understand. Your videos are helpful in so many ways.

[@guycouturier23]

Thanks Jenn, you are so articulate, your tutorials kick some major asses !!

[@AfiScruggsplaysbass]

This is a great quick start to Final Cut Pro. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@MarkMichelleMTBMisadventures]

New to FCP and this is exactly what I needed! So glad I watched this before I made a video. You are easy to understand and follow. Going to check out your Rock Star course as I get more familiar with FCP. Thank you!

[@bonbo3n23]

You are quite an expressive teacher! Expressions are so natural. Thanks for helping!

[@samuelbonetsanchez6874]

GREAT JOB! I've been away from FCP for over a year, and this quick start was right on. Thank you.

[@orphanedsignal]

thank You for your tutorial. geography and traits of final cut pro, presented well!

[@mrsdivyasaha]

By the way your videos are awesome simple easy to understand and to the point.. Thank you so much for guiding us through all these editing process..❤

[@quentinpienaar5311]

Great video. Easy to follow and understand. Thank you.

[@Butters24601]

This was super simple and easy for me to understand. Thank you!

[@smileyhappyradio]

Very nice quick intro to Final Cut. Most content creators just need this to get started. Your awesome!

[@seanwhite8747]

great explanations and easy to understand tutorial. thanks so much!

[@vladpsychotrope3187]

Wonderful and concise! So few words, to convey so much pertinent information! Thank you!!!

[@abrahamb.pomerantz2812]

So well done! So clear! You're very engaging!!

[@waltkuiland9341]

Thanks, Jen. By far the best beginning tutorial I’ve found. I realize it’s abbreviated but I’m looking forward to a deep dive into your more in depth tutorials.

[@getstew]

This is great! I've worked in audio VO/Production forever and am learning FCP. You answered many of my questions ahead of time. Thanks!!

[@SaddleSoreRiders-fv9eh]

Outstanding! Thank you for providing such an easy to understand thorough explanation of how to get started with FCP. You have provided an outstanding foundation that can be built upon. Great job. Thank you.

[@Grapplezilla]

Wonderful video, I was checking all the other beginner videos but this one by far was the best and easiest to understand, thanks!

[@JohnKostuch]

Thank you. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@Tacita___B]

Thank you so much for this! So easy to follow. When I opened up FCP I was like, "Ok, this is a lot." But this was super helpful. Thank you Jenn! I will defo be using more of your videos x

[@pennypritty1]

NEW SUBSCRIBER!! I wish I'd seen your page before. Your teaching is so easy to follow! I've had FCP for a long time and was so frustrated with it because I didn't fully understand it. But you're clearing up a LOT of frustrations! I'm looking forward to fully learning this!

[@janeybakarbessy2330]

I have the book but it's been laying next to my desk and I must say this as my previous feedback the best tutorial to start with. Learning about the B-roll and sound that I somewhat wanted to hear was just what I was looking for. Thank you so much!

[@johnnyvegas2015]

love this quick tutorial, thanks so much

[@gerilewis001]

Thank you for making a basic instructional. Your method of instruction is easy to understand.

[@josephbaumann292]

I needed a refresher course and this was perfect!

[@17samalex]

I like listening to you you know exactly what to do. others just babble meaning to can follow you easy

[@lyndaquartemont6804]

Thank you I am just getting back to final cut after not using for a couple of years. You have made it so easy for me to acquaint my self once again. You teaching quality far exceeds the other videos I watched.

[@peterschulze8636]

Right to the point and easy-to-understand. I subscribed.

[@Kim.Bandit.Sinbad]

Thank you so much for such an informative and easy to follow tutorial. I've been interested in switching to FCP, but I was a little hesitant because I'm still a beginner. Your videos give me hope and inspiration so let's do this! You've added a new, happy subscriber!

[@fikreybirhane304]

Thank you for your informative content 😊

[@MartinLisius]

Excellent intro to FCP, Jenn! I've been using FCP for years, and even though it isn't as trendy as Resolve or Premiere, it is more than capable of doing professional work. Your video explains the basic process well and you have a great voice and presentation too.

[@user-qx4dp7rt5h]

You are a great teacher. Simple and professional!

[@JennJager]

Thank you! 😃

[@thepackardnetwork2609]

Excellent get started guide Jenn. Thank you for always being clear and relevant.

[@JennJager]

You're so welcome!

[@arunkarthik7802]

Nice video! Clean and easy to understand :)

[@OutHereinAlaska]

This was so helpful. Thank you.

[@thehealingpathway]

Hi Jenn, I have been stuck for years with ideas and clueless technically. Anyway, with wanting to start my youtube channel, forced to learn. With listening to a few other videos - even slowing them down, not one is as clear and concise as your tutorial. Even though you speak quickly, you cram a load of information in that is relevant for the absolute novice - straight to the point in a way to get started.. Subscribing and going to look for more videos to learn from you. Thank you very much for sharing passionately your expertise.

[@batke140582]

Great! Thank you!

[@stephenpritchard5296]

Fabulous xx thank you

[@richardstirling5799]

Great vid u answered many questions thanks

[@CarlosBustamanteRestrepo]

Great video. Thank you.

[@DWAZ529]

This was excellent, at first the software was a little complicated. You made it so much simpler.

[@trevormcmanis]

New subscriber. Thank you for this information. Very concise and thorough.... 👏🏻

[@Hope_Yang]

Thank you for the great video, Jen. I am new to FCP since I've always edited on VLLO on the iPad and I've always wanted to step up my editing skills. I'm not gonna lie, FCP looks so overwhelming and my brain just hurts looking at it since I have no idea where to start editing but your video helped me understand the program more and hopefully, I'll be able to start editing my videos on FCP! 😊

[@WildPrimal23]

Thanks for this video!

[@thomashartmann5037]

You certainly didn’t disappoint me. A great introduction! You are always so easy to follow and in this case you really nailed the things a beginner needs to know as well as how files are organized in Final Cut Pro.

[@JennJager]

The whole Library/Event/Project terminology was the hardest part for me to grasp when I started using this version of FCP. Glad was helpful!

[@ammieyall]

thank you!

[@aberdeenmeadows]

I wanted to say thank you for this beginner's video that actually helped me to create a workflow. I have so many videos I need to make into movies and I was able to follow your instructions to create a library, then an event and finally a project. It now only takes a couple of minutes to place the videos on the timeline, add a title, choose speed of 4x (Dashcam Videos) and then render my movie. Then, I create another event for the next set of videos and move the original event to the trash, and create a new project and start all over again. Recently downloaded and started using Final Cut Pro, but got confused attempting to learn this on my own. So many options were overwhelming, but your tutorial cut to the chase. Though I have plenty of space on my Mac (2TB SSD internal), I chose to use an external SSD drive in order to not have so many read/writes on the internal drive. Looking forward to knocking out a lot of videos and learning more about Final Cut Pro

[@matthewandrew]

great. thank u.

[@FabGirlFabWorld]

Wow! Thanks, I’ve had this software for 4 months and never had an idea of what to do until now. I appreciate your help!

[@JennJager]

Welcome to the FCP Fam!

[@malishomecooking8962]

I’m speechless, you made this tutorial so easy to understand bravo 👏 I was working on adobe premiere pro for my KZbin channel but I had so many problems and crushes that made me frustrated and slowed me down, then I realized that I have no choice but to switch to Final Cut Pro which made me very nervous and upset! That I need to learn a new program that I’m unfamiliar with, Until I saw your video, you explained it in details step by step in a way that everyone can understand. Thank you so much for bringing back my self confidence that I can do editing again even that I’m not a professional editor. Your video is well explained in a simple way!!! 👍👏

[@jr.rasentertainment4074]

Thanks for the info...

[@jayxpea]

Clear and concise thanks!!

[@JennJager]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jsloh6077]

Thanks for the beginners tip

[@LifewithAbisola]

Thank you ❤

[@dotsch62]

I'm coming from iMovie, so this was perfect for me. Well done.

[@infinytower3317]

I am so nubie to FCP and Motion. Subscribed.!

[@markcodysr]

YOU ROCK!!!

[@ctinez28]

Thank you for the tutorial , I was hesitant because I'm still a beginner.

[@cxcreator]

You just saved me like 10 hours of editing this weekend!

[@JennJager]

Awesome! Are you seeing the advantages over iMovie yet?

[@skipneumann1]

Excellent! I learned more in 15 minutes then I did on my own for the last 6 months!

[@JennJager]

You need to sub to my other channel @JennJagerPro

[@dannemachmar]

Great video 🇸🇪⭐️

[@solaidigital]

thank you Jenn

[@JennJager]

You're so welcome.

[@chantalrochon3566]

Appreciated your explanation style. Now I have to remember where all the tools are located. A ADHD fan😊

[@PAUL-uk1le]

Thanks Jenn Helpful advice

[@JennJager]

You're so welcome!

[@PAUL-uk1le]

@@JennJager What is the minimum spec macbook you'd suggest for a novice iphone shooting novice to intermediate FCP and logic pro user? Base model seems to light Max base 16 in models.

[@jimpenn7628]

Great stuff. + sub

[@fransdigitalmediaservices3912]

BEING using Final Cut Pro for 20 years, great software

[@JennJager]

For me the transition from 7 to X was a but bumpy, but I learned to love it!

[@curvyfitoffgrid]

Can you export from Final Cut Pro to KZbin or Vimeo directly? This is a great intro. I've been using Filmora and have been frustrated with it for months!

[@PAUL-uk1le]

Thanks Jenn I really enjoy this channel. One question I have I'm looking into a Macbook Pro 16. What specs should a noob and just for youtube video's. Do you recommend FCP and Logic Pro. I will likely use a Iphone 14 max for filming. Has anyone had issues getting FCP and Logic Pro preinstalled when ordering a macbook Pro. I'm shooting for a 32 GB 1 TB Macbook 16. I wanted better speakers

[@cauedemello]

Nice video! Do you know if it is possible to use video and audio roles to separate clips per color after they're on the timeline? I assigned audio and video roles for a bunch of clips in the browser, but in the timeline those clips keeps their original roles, apparently using the browser to assign these roles didn't affected the clips in the timeline, do you know if it is possible to make those changes affect the clips in the timeline? And how? Thanks!

[@PhanivyasC]

Hi Jenn, lately I have been using Final Cut Pro 10.6 version to edit videos watching yours and others tutorial videos and let me say that these videos helped me a lot. I had been using Shotcut (free video editor) previously. I have a doubt, could you provide info on this. When I edit GoPro 8 videos recorded in 1080p60 in FCP, the available export resolutions are either 1080p/720p/...or 4K. I want to upsacle it to 2.7K/2K for YT in order to get VP9 codec which I used to do in Shotcut editor previously. But 2K export resolutions are totally missing in FCP, is there any way forward? Any Idea? BTW I tried to change the project resolution settings to higher than 1080p but no use.

[@rexleong433]

May I know which version of FCP your course Final Cut Rock Start will cover?

[@thomashartmann5037]

Thank you, in advance. I’ve tried a few times to start using Final Cut Pro but always gone back to Camtasia and LumaFusion, because I’ve found it difficult to learn. Maybe you can convince me otherwise? The same goes for Motion. Both as far as I can understand are fantastic tools when you need something more than the absolute basic capabilities.

[@JennJager]

They are! I'm working on a Motion Quickstart video on my other channel too. I hope you find this helpful. Stay tuned!

[@JollyRogerJo]

Do you have tips for us who are just starting with video editing, first time evers..noobs :D thank you

[@dannemachmar]

Is it possible to adjust the audio volume lets say in the middle of the clip also? 🇸🇪

[@RameshKumar-ng3nf]

Hello Jenn, Good day ! 😊 I am interested to purchase your FCP rockstar course 😊. Is there any discount coupon code for it ? 😀😀 Thank you !

[@Dan-ln8el]

Wish you would have played the video you built.

[@BorkBrand]

Will making a copy of each file take up more space?

[@carlosprovyrivera8522]

Hello excellent overview. My question is not specific to this particular tutorial but like this and others you've done you (like other KZbinrs) make reference to a link in the top right hand corner to see another video you've shared. I'm using Safari either on my Mac or iPad and I never see a link or place to click where you reference. What am I missing? Thx!

[@JennJager]

You should see in the top right corner a little pop up box (it's either black or white depending on what device you're on). They're called "cards" and they're clickable, but they go by fast so you may be missing it!

[@carlosprovyrivera8522]

@@JennJager Thx - actually turns out that I did not have info cards enabled under settings.

[@fendr1962]

It would have been good if you played the video that you built to see how all the adjustments looked and sounded.

[@andy_knight]

Hi Jenn, how did you add the application launcher shortcut from your MacOS dock, shown at 0:43? This looks way better than the launchpad. Thanks!

[@JennJager]

Just right click it in your Finder, and one of the options is "Add to Dock"

[@andy_knight]

@@JennJager Thanks so much! I'll give that a try.

[@PVHSMVP]

How do you adjust the volume in a music clip for just a brief moment and then have it resume to its level you had it set previously? With just using the same music clip.

[@AfiScruggsplaysbass]

You'll have to add keyframes to the music clip and adjust them that way.

[@taracreations1521]

hello Jenn Jager this is shiva from INDIA I want to know how to trim multiple Clips in FCP I mean to Trim In & Out of multiple clip 1 or 2 Seconds at a time.

[@mrsdivyasaha]

Hi I have a query.. actually in I movie when I import the pictures and videos it automatically sort itself into chronological order which helps me immensely in making videos for my clients.. But in final pro I just started but it is not showing in chronological order.. how can I do that here?I desperately need it as the clients never send me in order..

[@JennJager]

Hi, I think this will help you: You're Not Using the Browser Enough in Final Cut Pro kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5PTlJt8ec-DmJY

[@mrsdivyasaha]

@@JennJager thank you so much for taking time to answer my question and I checked that video you recommended.. it is like the best thing ever for me.. I was doing the editing till now in the the most time taking process.. you just explained it so well in just few minutes.. I'm so happy to follow you Jenn

[@freshfalcon3996]

First of all, you’re so pretty it’s a bit distracting 😊. Second, I REALLY wish they used a different naming convention. I wish a “project” was the overarching identifier, and then a library could be within the project, in which all media and assets are stored. But alas, I’m willing to learn Apple’s way.

[@stephengonzalez7200]

Nothing looks the same on my new Mac Pro, I want to smash everything! I hate being this confused!

[@JennJager]

I know, they like to move our cheese! Did you make a time machine backup from your old Mac? If so, you should be able to use the backup to set up this new one and everything should look the way you're used to.

[@stephengonzalez7200]

@@JennJager I dont know why my Brain says no! I have watched first intro to Final Cut with storing vids to use, where they go and how it's done. So many years on PC has rotted my brain! All I need to do is basic videos. I tried to practice with some fishing videos but just did not finish. 3K Mac Pro , FCP and I and pulling my hair out. NO bee or wine or anything else and UGHHH. I and pretty smart but this Program Urks me. I will not stop cause I have to learn it but every time a video starts and I try to begin it seems the look of thing on the videos, my familiarity and the multiple ways you Mac can be setup and look is what is killin me. I have not lost anything and I have backed up Time Machine everything. I switched to Mac because every HP and some other PC and their laptops break like CLOCKWORK. I know minimal Write rewrite to the ssd and with the memory is best longevity wise with this Mac, but I need the exp to get all this work off paper into video and out of my head to profit. Soo difficult I have thus beginning hump to get past. Thanks for even responding, really. rant off...

[@KrisD007]

I am so confused. I think I need a live tutorial that I pay for because of my confusion. I taught myself iMovie but husband bought CCP and said learn it.

[@derJackistweg]

THX! But just because this is just a short video, you do not need to speak so fast 🙂 I own a M1 since last year and this OS gives me a timemaschine back into the 90ies: When everything on a Computer was extremely complicated and unlogical. I work with software day-in-day-out but final cut.... I can handle Davinci with no tutorial, camptasi as well but FC is so "special". Like cearting a libary, the placement, the name. I am trying the trial Version because I want to cut 5,8K, which isnt possible with the free version of DR. I do not see a useful resolution for me. I dont know what these guys were thinking when they created the GUI.

[@derJackistweg]

Another example for how dumb the GUI is programmed: "Verwende das Trimmen Werkzeug, um Clips zu trimmen" This explains nothing, if you do not know the difference between trimming and cutting.

[@derJackistweg]

Export: Maybe I am too dumb. But I cannot choose the resolution of my file, nor the aspect ratio. 4k is the option, from a 6k video. Doesnt make sense to me. + I can choose just 1 codec (that makes sense): H265. As we are in 2023 I want to export in H265. No option. What is that? This software is supposed to cost 250€. Edit: Found the possibility to set the codec (apple blabla device). But I still cannot see nor define the container!? Nor the resolution. Still stuck with 4k in this case. When I choose HEVC (=H265) the resolution decreases automatically and cannot set to what´s needed. So from 5760x4320 in 422 or wahtever it jumps to H265 in 2880x2060 max.

[@isaackent2355]

I don't get it. Like how did you actually make this video/ as it's nothing like what you're talking about in video.

[@hottamaletallahassee]

you lost me at 2:37 when you said the left side looks a lot like your finder - IT DOESNT - then you said you need to navigate to wherever your clips media clips are currently living - I GOT AS FAR AS DESKTOP BUT COULD NOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO NAVIGATE ANY FURTHER - I have gone back over this part of your video several times, but i am completely stuck and dead in the water.

[@jonsmith7551]

Dude, why are you SHOUTING? Don't blame her because you're dumb AF. Read the comments- everyone else can follow along. Maybe you need some vitamins.

[@davidwake6886]

Good but you don't have to talk all the time. It's sometimes difficult to distinguish between an important and less important file. For example, you don't have to list all the locations you might save your work - it's called teacher talk....for example you show the icon picture and say this is what the icon looks like. Then you say "It's a purple square with four stars in the middle" - well I can see that - you don't have to tell me. Just pause and let me look at it....

[@JennJager]

I find that people generally really like the way I teach. If it's not your style, feel free to consume someone else's free content. Thanks for the KZbin engagement and next time, remember you can just click off the video anytime.

[@JESK55]

@@JennJagergreat response!!