How to organize footage, folders and libraries for Final Cut Pro - 2022

[@steveyoho1076]

Thank you so much for taking the time to clearly explain and show us newbies how Apples file management structure truly works. I went home last night and told my wife and daughter, "I feel so good, I finally feel very confident how the file structure works in Final Cut Pro and iMovie." I am just getting started as a content creator as a professional Realtor and your instructional video has given me so much confidence to SAFELY store my data. Thank you again Patrick.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

You're very welcome! Please subscribe if you have not already. I am sure your field (real estate) is CRAZY right now. You are doing the right thing in creating content. People will want to see that.

[@PaulFeinberg]

Always interesting to see how people organize their FCPX libraries. I am very similar. I literally have a template folder for new KZbin videos that a stores all my intro, social media follow me stuff, titles, and end screen. Then I just copy the template paste it and rename it. Then open the library drag footage in and start cutting it up. Nice overview.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Such a good idea. I do something similar, minus the template.

[@PaulFeinberg]

@@iampatrickmurphy yea I will be making a video about that….on my list

[@mrfairycake4333]

Absolutely brilliant, the best explanation I've found so far. Thanks Patrick

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I am thrilled that this was helpful. Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@chantalrochon3566]

Patrick Murphy, thank you for explaining so clearly how FCPX works. Man! You are gifted. Grateful to have found your channel 😊

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you so much!! Feel free to ask any questions, and don’t forget to subscribe!

[@pacerdave]

20:02 I have been using FCP for a while. I did not start out with a plan. When I came up short I would organize a little better with the next project. Well, after a few projects my files and copies were all over the place. I wish I had started out with this organization from the beginning. I especially like how easy it is to move the project from your editing location to storage. Not only is your file management system intelligent, your delivery of the information is focused and entertaining. This is something I will start using immediately. I will also be subscribing. Thank you!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you SO MUCH for your encouragement! I checked out your channel. It looks great!

[@simonhetherington9077]

Hey Patrick - Outstanding! Thank you so much for this incredibly helpful vid. I was losing my mind trying to understand how FCP storage works and you cleared it all up for me. I really appreciate your work. Cheers!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

This is so encouraging! Thank you! Also, you are not alone. Storage can be such a hassle and so confusing. I’m glad this video helped!! Don’t forget to subscribe!!

[@michaelcarlito3399]

16:47 I have listened to many vids on organizing libraries projects and events and I congratulate you on your clear explanation on setting these up and finding all the files if you ever need to migrate to another HD. Thank you very much. Let me know when you post again thank you

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thanks so much for watching the video and enjoying. Please go ahead and subscribe to my channel and then you’ll get all my updates.

[@AncientAviator]

Patrick...I'm just getting started with FCP and had many questions/concerns regarding the safest, most efficient manner to store FCP files. This video was EXACTLY what I needed. Thanks so much for producing it!!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I am THRILLED that this video was helpful for you. Thank you for watching and commenting, and I look forward to seeing all the videos you create!

[@Timee80]

Perfect tutorial for a new starter. I like to be organised and this details what we all NEED to know to prevent future headaches. Thanks from a new Sub

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Wow! I’m so glad this helped!! Thanks for the sub!!

[@allmagall]

Another awesome FCP guru. Thank you Patrick! This answered a shit ton of questions for me. You, Serge and Dylan are the bomb(s)

[@iampatrickmurphy]

That's WONDERFUL! I am so glad that this video was helpful. I've ever been called a guru before but Ill take it!

[@focus-elements]

Hi Patrick Informative and very helpful explanation. I was having trouble getting my head around organising my libraries and folders etc. This has helped a lot. Thanks!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Wonderful! Please don’t forget to subscribe!

[@JetskiPilotGaming]

I recently switched from Adobe Premiere Pro to Final Cut Pro since upgrading to the latest MacBook Pro 16” with the M2 Max chip. This video was very helpful. Thanks for sharing and putting out quality content! 👊🏼

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you so much for watching! Please don’t forget to subscribe

[@kylemartin8206]

yes, this is exactly the information i needed.... I've been working on a few projects and it's in a mess tbh! Luckily I've finished those so I can now store that data away and start from a clean slate in an organised fashion, thank you for this video!!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I’m so glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching.

[@kylemartin8206]

super helpful, thank you! After working with other software on Mac for last 20 years, Ableton, etc.. FCP just didnt make sense!! Top video, thank you! @@iampatrickmurphy

[@KenJonesFlightViewMedia]

Thank you so very much for this very valuable explanation. I have been so frustrated trying to locate and open old footage when I updated to a new iMac that I finally gave up. However, with the information you've provided in this video, I've been able to reconnect them to FCPX. Thanks, again.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Wonderful news!!! Thank you so much for watching. I’m glad your organization is all set now.

[@srikrishnacj4965]

Ho my god. I have watched 6 to 7 videos so far in the library and events. None of that detailed clarity like your video even top youtuber. I feel like your channel is very very underrated. Thank u for this video. I hope you will be a successful youtuber

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you so much!! I hope so too.

[@bangcallahan]

Thank you homie... you got right to basics. Earned a sub.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thanks for the sub!

[@danhassinger8070]

Great video, thanks for making!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you so much. I am thrilled that you enjoyed it. Please, don't forget to subscribe!

[@Makeup-Effects]

Excellent explanation! Thank you ☺️

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thanks so much!!

[@merricktaylor4429]

Thank you for this! I lost a big project I was working on because I didn't understand that App's reference your files, not stores them. Deleted all the footage thinking I was clearing up my disk space, but my hard drive was where FC was referencing and deleted all my footage. This was super helpful. Thanks for the video.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I am so glad this helped! Please do not forget to subscribe.

[@dimondcrafts1]

One tutorial that actually helped me to make sense of it all! Thanks for braking it down man!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Of course! Please subscribe if you haven’t already, and thanks for watching.

[@TasteofItaly]

what you explain in 11:40 happened to me, not once but 3x...what a headache!! I'm committed to getting my files organized. Question: what do you put in the Images folder? stills, text slides? what about thumbnails, intros & outros? where do they go? Some are common to all videos, some are specific to that video. Thanks so much for your clear explanation.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

The main thing to remember is this... When you open your final cut pro project, you want to make sure that final cut can see/find all of the files it needs that you have used in that project. If there are images you use across multiple projects, you need to make sure that they ALL can see that photo, whether it is copied and stored in each project's folder or something else. If there are images that I know I will use in multiple projects, like a logo, I store that photo in a place where I can easily find it if I end up moving my projects around, like an external SSD. Thanks for watching, please don't forget to subscribe!

[@bpmac123]

Excellent Video! Very clear and logical. I used your system to create a template project folder. Thanks!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Wonderful!! Thanks for watching.

[@paullancefield]

Hi. Thanks for this video. It's good you have applied so much thought to this and I like your organisation schema. However there is one thing I feel I should point out because it is misleading. The default behaviour is, if you drag and drop footage (or audio or images) into the Library it will place a COPY in the Library. So under the default behaviour if anyone uses your schema, they will double up on the content storage (footage, audio, images etc) stored (actually now if the drive is formatted with the APFS filing system that isn't strictly true, and it will "try not to" double up on the space, but that is due to some clever algorithms working behind the scenes and not for the reasons you think it is). For the schema to work as you describe, the Final Cut Pro user will have to have changed the Preferences -> Import -> Files: setting. I suspect you must have done this at some point if you lose content when the original content outside of the Final Cut Pro Library is deleted. I hope I'm not being rude pointing this out, but for people trying to understand how the organisation works it is important to understand how much space that organisation requires. I really like the schema you suggest and it makes complete sense. I also happen to think your schema and the settings as you probably have them is also best, because that way content remains easily exposed in the Finder for processing in other applications, so please don't take this as a criticism.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

This is GREAT feedback. Thank you! Please subscribe if you have not already!

[@petermiles3096]

Hi, so within, Preferences - Import - Files: should I select 'copy to library storage location' or 'leave files in place' to not double up on content storage when using this method?

[@t.nash8]

@@petermiles3096 'leave files in place' !

[@84legit]

🎉🎉🎉🎉 you are amazing .. Best explained thus far

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I just watched some of your content. Same my name is AWESOME!!!! Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe!

[@G_Galore]

Thank you this was so informative❣️🙏🏾

[@iampatrickmurphy]

YAY! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

[@AldrichQuaiHoi-n1z]

Brilliant. Having not used FCP for a while . . . read G4 days( the god old days when you organised assets into folders ) . . . this is EXACTLY what people need to know, which gives the user full controls on media and asset management

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I am so glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe.

[@josealtamirano7368]

where should I save my Motion files?

[@WindsweptRobert]

Hi Patrick, thanks for this video. I was doing something similar to this but your video helped me understand a bit better how and why I am doing things. The only thing I'm not clear on is the PROJECT event you created. Still not sure what the purpose of that is :/

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Great question. I tend to make multiple projects out of one library. One project is my KZbin video. Another project is my tiktok version of the same video. Etc. Etc. I organize those projects in the "projects" event. I hope that helps. Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@WindsweptRobert]

@@iampatrickmurphy Ahhh, I understand now. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I will subscribe to you right now ;)

[@Solopreneur]

Thanks for this. Great tutorial. Very organized!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you for watching! Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@jasvirnluphd4131]

outstanding presentation

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you so much! Please do not forget to subscribe.

[@spoombung]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Glad it was helpful! Please don't forget to subscribe!

[@markeishabrown4764]

Thank you for this video, helped tremendously! Quick question, I noticed sometimes the video showed "Macbook Pro" and "Patrick SSD" under locations, for clarification all of these folder and sub folders were created within the SSD correct (the ones made before you go into Final Cut Pro)? I think I followed the video correctly, re-watched a few times also.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

You are correct!

[@artincorona]

I'm so glad I found this video. It clears up some questions I still had about organization even after watching half dozen on FCP organizing. I do have a few questions though. I like your suggestion about creating folders prior to even opening Final Cut but do you suggest setting the import preference to "copy to library storage location"? I noticed I tried the same thing you did by deleting one of my images from the original folder but I didn't get the error of missing file like you did. I think it's cause I had the setting to copy to library. I know I read another commenter saying something to the effect that when you drag media into the project you double up on storage of the media. Thanks.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Yes. That is why you have to go and remove those render files and copied files once your project is complete. It takes some organizing, but it makes things way easier. Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@elwirastadnik]

Life saver :)) Thx!!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

You're welcome! I am so glad that this was helpful. Please don't forget to subscribe!

[@rootstudio247]

Well explained, thank you. I’m just wondering if you have intros, outros, and other elements that you are using in every video, does that mean you have to make copies of them for every video? That seems silly but I don’t see how a library can reference another library.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

This is a great question. All of the intros and Outros, bumpers, sound effects, and silly little clips that I frequently use all live in the same location on one solid state drive. So, when I begin editing a project, and I need one of those elements, I make sure that the drive is plugged in and available. Then, final cut is always referencing that one drive that has all of the extras.

[@rootstudio247]

@@iampatrickmurphy great 👍 thanks for the prompt reply 🤗

[@scottswannie2500]

Hey Patrick. Great job with the slow and explanatory process. Question: Is there any drawback from taking photos with my IPhone via ICloud, and then referencing them all into my project video from ICloud instead of my Photos app? I still save and consolidate my media and project files to the Library. So far no problem. My photos and videos shouldn’t disappear after a period of time, correct? Thanks.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Correct. “Consolidate All” brings every element into your library. However, this isn’t a system where you could find things easily if needed, unless you “show package contents”. That said. This would work! Thanks for watching. Please don’t forget to subscribe.

[@donaldgoguen9065]

Thank you for this. I found it a very useful starting point as I am just beginning to learn Final Cut and am also new to the Mac and have struggled with file management.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Glad it was helpful! Thank for watching. Please subscribe if you have not already.

[@tabodee]

Hey there! Awesome video! Thanks for posting. Really helps get the project organized before even starting! Quick question… I am primarily a recording musician, who dabbles in Final Cut for music videos.- The video part increased greatly during the pandemic, as I was a music director in a church… having to quickly learn how to provide worship music videos for digital services. I recently purchased a M1 Mac Studio. 64 gigs and 2 Tb SSD internal hard drive. I have been using an 2013 iMac for the last 9 years. Right now, I only have Logic Pro X on the Mac Studio. Just curious… would it be better to let the older IMac be dedicated for Final Cut Pro, or would you recommend having both on the Mac Studio? Thanks!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Hey thanks for watching. I am also a worship pastor at a church in nyc, so I am VERY familiar with your EXACT timeline. Haha. Yes, I would run everything from the Mac Studio. It will run circles around your iMac. Don’t forget to subscribe!

[@tabodee]

@@iampatrickmurphy will do! Thought I already had🤣

[@finlaymaclennan8956]

Genuinely one of the most helpful videos out there. Took a few watches through and a bit of time to get my head round it but glad I did because it’s a very good organisation method - my precious Final Cut projects used to be an absolute mess but it’s the complete opposite now! Great video

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Wow. Thank you so much for your encouragement, and thank you for watching. Please don’t forget to subscribe!

[@arritaplender2737]

Thank you so Munch For this

[@iampatrickmurphy]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching. Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@mhpreach]

Here’s the way I’ve been organizing mine on an external drive. I do two sermons a week up load to KZbin PE, rumble and Facebook. If knew of others would go their as well. Anyway. I put each in its own library, then event and the project. Series lesson I put in the same library with a different event / project for each individual lesson. Any suggestions?

[@iampatrickmurphy]

These seems like a good plan to me. Do you think your system is working for you? Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@mhpreach]

@@iampatrickmurphy it works. Just thought I might be missing something.

[@InterstellarFrequency]

Thank you for the details of the file organizing of Final Cut. I was beating my head against the wall trying to understand how Mac's file system worked with this program. I run Logic Pro for my show and I am now wanting to expand onto KZbin. If you are able to cover a video of how to slice scenes together with final cut, like using transitions I would really love that video by you. You cover lots of information. Thank you much. Chris w/Interstellar Frequency Thanks again.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you so much for watching. I’m currently working on a video that talks all about how I edit and create final cut projects. Please be on the lookout, and don’t forget to subscribe!

[@InterstellarFrequency]

@@iampatrickmurphy Thanks looking forward to it. I’m been really researching on finding how to edit the audio behind the video footage. As well as installing different audio over the footage. I’m not too sure if I have to do separate audio in logic and then pull it from logic and put it into final cut or am I able to do it straight off of Final Cut if you’re able to cover that basis much obliged. I know I’m asking a lot secondly if you can also include using graphic pop of shaking the camera, or changing the scene to emphasize a situation. I would much really appreciate this. Thank you so much for what you’re doing.

[@Courtside-Stories]

Patrick - If I set up everything in the same way as you and I download an image from internet do I need to put that into my SSD folder and drag it into the images folder in Final Cut or can I just add it to the images folder on Final Cut? I'm not sure how you proceed so that it doesn't mess stuff up later.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

The main thing to remember is this... When you open your final cut pro project, you want to make sure that final cut can see all of the files it needs that you have used in that project. If there are images you use across multiple projects, you need to make sure that they ALL can see that photo, whether it is copied and stored in each project's folder or something else. If there are images that I know I will use in multiple projects, like a logo, Istore that photo in a place where I can easily find it if I end up moving my projects around. Thanks for watching, please don't forget to subscribe!

[@TasteofItaly]

Hi Patrick, when I create a new Library, FCP asks me where I wants to save it, so I thought why not save it in the folder you call FinalCut Pro on the external HD. At this point I renamed the folder Video Library. Does that make sense? I just noticed I have the 10.6.8 version, didn't happen in my previous versions.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

That does make sense! Keep creating and don’t forget to subscribe!

[@rollingpanda4198]

Great overview and very helpful!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Glad it was helpful! Please subscribe if you have not already!

[@ToxicPpl101]

Great video! New sub! Thanks!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Wonderful! Thank you

[@ToxicPpl101]

@@iampatrickmurphy You're welcome!

[@dkell00]

great vid but you didn't explain WHY you created two additional projects just within Final Cut (Projects and another matching Library name)? why? how do you use?

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Hey thanks for watching. I actually created only one project. I created one library. In that library I created one EVENT called projects. The one project I created lived in that event. Let me know if that makes sense.

[@poppavision]

Great video

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thanks! Please don't forget to subscribe.

[@tpcamera]

Hello Patrick , I have been searching for this information and so far your explanation has been the most help . I am trying to come to final cut from Premiere and of course it is a little harder to learn final cut whilst still thinking in Premiere . I organize all my folders the same way you explained and also on an external drive . within my Footage folder I may have additional sub folders eg: A camera , B Camera, Drone etc. I see you would name an event with a corresponding name.and then drag those contents to that event. Is there a way to import each folder as an event as apposed to naming an event in Final cut and then dragging the contents to it? Thank You Tony

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I THINK this will help. Create ONE event called "Footage", then take all of your folders on your ssd (A camera, etc) and drag them over that "Footage" event. Final Cut wil create keywords for each folder UNDER the "footage" event. Please let me know if that's what you need. Thanks for watching and please don't forget to subscribe!

[@tpcamera]

@@iampatrickmurphy Thank you Patrick , That is exactly what I was trying to do. I realize that transitioning from premiere to Final Cut is going to be harder than I thought.I will keep watching your videos and hopefully get more comfortable . I am a subscriber. Cheers.

[@fischergreen4134]

I wish I had watched this when I first started using FCP. My folders are a mess

[@iampatrickmurphy]

BUDDY! Me Too! But, from this point forward you will be golden. Thanks for watching

[@fischergreen4134]

​@@iampatrickmurphy One month in with this system and its a game changer for me Thank you

[@foblivio]

Awesome! Very good advice, and great delivery. I am a bit confused as to why FCP got confused about the media location when you changed the folder location? If references are by relative (and not absolute path), FCP should be able to find those files. I guess FCP is using absolute? Thanks!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thanks so much for watching. Yes, media storage when being referenced by apps can be a bit strange. Please don’t forget to subscribe.

[@GlennPowell-bg5ft]

Great explanation to a ridiculous FCP workflow organisation problem. There should be an easier way! Creating folders first to store all your assets is a solution to this FCP problem but it is time consuming. Not always will you initially place the assets into the relevant folders before you use them and you will inevitably miss some. Adobe Indesign has a much better solution. You crate the document with assets taken from anywhere. Then when the project is finished you simply hit File>Package and the program goes through and collects ALL the assets and places them neatly into one folder. Done! Everything is combined ready to archive. FCP needs this feature.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

You’re right, but FCP DOES have a solution like this. I believe the selection you would make within FCP is “consolidate all media”. This is helpful, however, most users learn about this when it is already too late. That’s why I believe learning these storage solutions from the beginning is an important lesson. Thanks again for watching. Please do not forget to subscribe.

[@scottswannie2500]

Also, if you have a video on how to save my entire project to a simple 64gb usb-c drive for sharing or for later use I’d like to see it. I’m a bit confused on how to do that so someone else can give me a usb, I can give them a copy of the video project, and then they can play it on their computer even if they don’t have FCP…if that’s possible without FCP. THANKS

[@iampatrickmurphy]

This is actually NOT possible unless you export the project. Great question though.

[@scottswannie2500]

@@iampatrickmurphy So I can export the project to another persons email so they can have it? Thanks

[@scottswannie2500]

@@iampatrickmurphy I did Subscribe earlier.

[@scottswannie2500]

@@iampatrickmurphy what is not possible? Saving it to a usb-c drive for future use on my computer, or sharing it with a computer that doesn’t have FCP? Thanks.

[@backyardbaja]

Just to clarify, when your in your HD you're calling it a "new project" but you're actually putting your new "Library" in it, is that right?

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Hi there! I’m trying to understand your question, but I’m. It quite clear on what you mean. Can you explain a bit further? Thanks for watching! Please don’t forget to subscribe!

[@backyardbaja]

@@iampatrickmurphy Thanks for getting back Patrick. I figured it out. You go very fast, and it seems there are aspects you take for granted we might know, and go over them quickly. And with all the different, yet similar terminology it got confusing. Calling it a “new folder” on the HD where a “new project” goes, then it’s a “library” on FC with “folders” that are “events” inside a new “project” in FC got confusing. And with long explanations of how FC works, some of which may have been superfluous to the tutorial, in between the instructions, was just a bit hard to follow along with while trying to do it all in FC as you taught the course. All in all It was very helpful, and I am using your way of organizing, it was just very fast and obviously second nature to you, but all new to me. Thanks dude!

[@Cannzana]

This information is NOT accurate-- not completely accurate. Final Cut by default saves all the files inside the Project, so you can move the project to other locations & have no missing files. Explains this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laaQp35oj7Njaas However, you can change this setting if you want to (to free up space). Then you’d have to do it his way. He does have great organization tips for Events, thank you!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you! Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@GlennPowell-bg5ft]

@@iampatrickmurphy So if this is true then what is the point in all this doubling up of files?

[@DigitalPratikShow]

amazing video brother... after years, finally someone had to do this 😂 simple yet to the point & most importantly: EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE. more power to you... ❤

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you so much!! Please remember to subscribe if you have not already!

[@youngandcancerfree]

Omg Thank you! Now I finally understand how to organise my files for Final Cut Pro! So good!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Happy to help! Please subscribe if you have not already!

[@MarkSpomer]

I've been waiting for someone to make it simple. Well done!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Hey Mark. I LOVE your channel. I am glad my video was helpful. Please subscribe if you have not already!

[@DrummerJose]

Bro this is EXACTLY what I needed! This will take off I’m sure. Thank you for this.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I am so glad that this was helpful! Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@lilymetcalfe97]

This was an extremely helpful and thorough walkthrough of setting up projects. Thank you!!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Glad it was helpful! Please subscribe if you have not already!

[@marlonbrando5342]

Make it easier

[@ChrisBranch]

Wish I watched this 3 years ago 🤦‍♂️😂

[@iampatrickmurphy]

You're. Telling. Me!!!! When I found this out I was flummoxed. HAHA. Thanks for watching.

[@markmonta]

here comes the boom lol

[@markmonta]

i subscribed for that

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Hahaha. So glad! Thanks!

[@llMick]

Cheers Patty! Love you!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thanks for the watch!! Please don’t forget to subscribe and have a great day!!

[@wolfhard2420]

It is a fact, that there is a ton of videos dealing with exactly this topic on KZbin. And there is a reason for this fact. The organization of data within finalcut is a complete unlogical mess. Your entrance statement is simply true, that apps are not meant to be the instance for storing things. And Microsoft has been clearer in separating storage and apps from the beginning. Which makes it a tiny little bit less intuitive for computer newbies for an hour or two in the beginning. But once you get the hang of how a computer works and stores things, you got it forever. Apple tried to pamper the newbies in compromising the clear cut between storage and app, but in doing that, they created a monster. All this nonsense in the file system in fcpro belongs to the storage and file system. It should leave the app completely. Data organization belongs to a file management app, not to a video editor. Clear cut, hopefully Final Cut one day. In the iPad they understood it already that without a file management independent from the apps every system remains chaotic. And, do you honestly believe that anyone who wants to do something as complex as video editing should be too dumb to understand a file management system independent from the app?

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I am a Apple Fanboy. I admit it, but I agree with your synopsis. Thanks for commenting. Please don't forget to subscribe!

[@robertdema]

I really do not understand your organization and I am an organized person.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

That’s ok! If you want to setup a coaching session for some extra help, please let me know.

[@kieronconcannon]

Really useful, thanks.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I am so glad that this was helpful! Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@paulmatulavich7321]

Very clear and concise instructions, especially useful to me, in my 2nd week of working with FCPX - at the age 71!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

KEEO GOING!! You Got this! Thank you so much for watching and commenting.

[@GirlyGamer-BoardGameGran]

I don't know why this is so hard, but it's like my brain just won't understand.. and this is the 5th tutorial I've watched and they're all said different things. I appreciate you trying to help though, it was a very clear video and friendly. Cheers.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Hi there!! Thanks for watching. If you like, I have personal coaching available. Please reach out if you would like a live walk through of how to organize.

[@DigoMontoya]

Soooo wordy I gave up. Way too much dialogue instead of simple lesson teaching.

[@rolandrickphotography]

In FCP 6.x and 7.x (Studio Pro 2 and Studio Pro 3) you could rename the files on the disk based on the clip names given in browser. Is that somehow also possible in FCPX???

[@iampatrickmurphy]

If I understand what you are asking, I BELIEVE that is possible. Thanks so much for watching, and don't forget to subscribe!

[@patrickspahr825]

Thanks for this Patrick. One question that comes up a lot is when you import media into FCP, do you, “Copy to library,” or “Leave files in place”? Obviously copying to library duplicates all imported media and instantly doubles your files storage requirements. I’m shooting lots of two-camera 4K footage plus external, multi-track audio and suddenly my multiple-terabyte external drives are filling up like crazy🥲 Would love to hear what you suggest. Thank you. Patrick Spahr

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Oh I always "leave in place". As long as you organize your footage well, this should not be a problem. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@RZpersonal77]

Thanks for this video. It is really helpful. I am interested in starting a KZbin channel and I want to use Final Cut Pro but I didn’t know how to organize my project and this video has helped a lot. Thank you.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Great news! I am so glad this video Was helpful!! Please don’t forget to subscribe.

[@danwarter7553]

Hello and thank you for the video. The items in the events section are all labeled by date. Is there any way to change that date to a description? I have sometimes 20-50 items and I usually collapse them, but all I see are dates when I want to go back and look for a certain clip. It would be so helpful to have a description (not a date) on each collapsed item so I can scan them and just open the clips I want. Can’t find any info on this. Thanks!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Yes! If you click on that date it will allow you to rename it. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@kianghy7930]

9:35 - instead of creating new event for different subfolder, what if i drag all subfolder from finder and put into 1 Event, then i click the key icon inside the event as subfolder, what is the con doing this ya?

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I think the only downside I can think of is that I want MORE hierarchy than just one event with keys as subs. However, if this works for you proceed by all means. It’s the same concept, but perhaps more efficient for your workflow in particular. Please do not forget to subscribe.

[@RaymondHng]

I'm a Premiere Pro user, but I had to assist someone with Final Cut Pro. This list may explain the difference in terminology between the two systems: *Final Cut Pro term Premiere Pro term* Library Project Event Bin Project Sequence

[@iampatrickmurphy]

This is INCREDIBLY helpful. Thank you! Please don't forget to subscribe!

[@RaymondHng]

Another difference: A Final Cut Pro Library contain a copy of the actual media files and render files. A Premiere Pro Project contains project items that are only pointers that reference the actual media files and their location.

[@yvesbarbieuxCompositeur]

That is the video I needed. Thanks!!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Yes! I am so glad! Please don’t forget to subscribe.

[@Letybacelar]

Oh my gosh! Finally understand it! Thank you so much!!!!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I’m so glad!! Please don’t forget to subscribe.

[@boogalooray]

I'm new to FCP and am trying to get started right with libraries. I'm importing 20 years worth of raw footage from mini DV's to edit and use to make finished family in the future. How would you suggest to set this up? I was thinking of making a "XXX raw family library" with each import stored by year? Your thoughts or ideas?

[@iampatrickmurphy]

This is a great idea! I’d probably have to look at what you are trying to do a bit deeper. If you’d like to setup a remote consultation we can certainly find a time. Thanks so much for watching. Please subscribe!

[@boogalooray]

@@iampatrickmurphy To clarify my first goal is to get all of this footage off the tapes and digitize it so I have a back up. Eventually I will edit it, make some movies, add music etc so that all the footage is saved, and we have footage to enjoy. How/when could we discuss?

[@rickclise6883]

Hi Patrick, if you have a separately recorded audio clip, plus a video clip with camera audio, and want to create a Synchronized Clip how is it done if those assets are in different Events? I've got my audio clips in an Audio Event and my video clips in a Video Event like you show above. Thanks!

[@tuscanacrypto]

Excellent thank you!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I’m so glad this was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@thewhiteoxoverland]

I love this video and it explains this type of thing so well. One thing I don't understand with FCP though is why do clips appear multiple times in your library for a given project. Why doesn't FCP recognise that the clip is already contained in the library? It makes scrolling through footage much more time consuming when clips are sometimes two or even three times replicated

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Hmmm. I am not sure why you would be seeing that. I can imagine it’s frustrating for sure! Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@nocosimfarmer]

Great video! I will be reorganizing my content today. Question for you. How do you organize for graphics and audio effects that are shared across a series? I would like to have them available for each episode but don’t want to have multiple copies of those “stock” elements within each episode project.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

This is a GREAT question... We can setup a private coaching session if you like, but in short, I keep all of my little extras (sound effects, green screen footage, etc) on a Solid State Drive. When editing, I have that drive plugged in and I can use it in any of my projects. Thanks for watching, and please don't forget to subscribe!

[@thecorporategypsy]

This was very helpful. For me the missing bit was utilizing the media in a project and how to keep in straight ie audio, footage, etc., just becomes a mass of content to wade thru.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

That’s EXACTLY why I made this video. Thanks for watching. Please don’t forget to subscribe!

[@DominicQuintanilla]

This is the most straight the point and helpful video I have seen on this, thank you!!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I am so glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@reflexxtr]

I’m so glad I found your video. I’ve been using FCPx for about 3 years now and started off just uploading footage into FCP without creating individual folders. resulting in all the footage for my projects in the same library (Not even sure if that’s correct??) and have the problems you mentioned when moving stuff around getting the “ RED WINDOW OF DEATH!! “occurring 😣 so frustrating and it can take ages to “re link” everything again. in future I will “adopt” your methods. thank so much for doing this video I’ve watched lots of tutorials about organisation with footage but they just rushed through the process! you make it so much simpler great job! keep the vids coming take care🙂

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you so much!! I’m glad this video was helpful for you. Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@donaldf.houtgraaf6274]

Tnx Patrick! Very helpful! Only 3 weeks ago I switched from Premiere pro cs6 (vintage pixels) to FCP. In particular the structure was killing me. There were times I was pulling my hair out : ) Not transparent enough to me but you really helped me a lot! That Apple-thinks-for-you concept is what i don't like. But I have to admit... the rest works grrreat! The oly thing I still don't understand is: why does FCP add a date to the folders every time I import media

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Haha. I totally hear you. Of course there is probably someone out there saying “YAY DATES ON FOLDERS!!”. I’m glad you’re enjoying Final Cut. Thanks for watching! Please don’t forget to subscribe!

[@harrisongould9460]

GREAT video...this is EXACTLY what I needed. I'll need to watch it a few more times but..."THIS-IS-IT". FYI...I am a wedding photographer and have been using Lightroom since its first version.Every job(aka) wedding I shoot, I make a folder(with lot's of subfolders), and create a Lightroom (.lrcat) catalog within one of the subfolders. If I do move the 'MAIN' folder and reference the .lrcat file within that folder, it automatically knows where the RAW files are. I rarely have to 'relink' anything. I still have questions but this is a great start. I subscribed and LIKED.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

WONDERFUL!!! Thank you!

[@Philonic]

This video is so great. Thanks for helping get nearly a TB of fcp created files off my internal HD! Now I can get this stuff on externals and in the correct folders going forward. Thanks again!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

THANK YOU! Please don't forget to subscribe!

[@KarenLangstonTV]

THANK YOU for this.. You have such a great easy way of teaching. One question how did you add the movies clip?

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Unfortunately, I cannot reveal ALL my secrets. Thanks for your compliment. Please subscribe when you can!

[@karenlangston1057]

@@iampatrickmurphy I did and bummer! I have watched your video 8 times now!

[@malcflodailyinspiration4379]

Thanks! great content, I have been using Final cut for several years and my files are a mess lol, now the journey beings to Reorganize all files.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Glad it was helpful! Please don't forget to subscribe!

[@erbartlett]

I do a library for each KZbin video, but I find myself going back to previous videos more and more to use past footage. Do you have any tips or tricks for putting everything in a master library to make it easier to find things?

[@iampatrickmurphy]

UUUUUGGH. This is such a good (and frustrating) question. I have the same issue, and I don't have a solution that works well beyond what you are already doing. Apple, HELP US! LOL. Please subscribe if you have not already.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Whoa. Just watched some of your videos. I LOVE your channel and how you are filming and editing. My father in law is a kite surfer. I am sending him your channel asap.

[@erbartlett]

@@iampatrickmurphy thank you so much!! really appreciate the feedback, its a ton of work, and let me know if you see anything i could be doing better.

[@breathspinecore]

Thank you! This was the best video I've seen on this topic. I've made all the mistakes you referenced and have been trying to figure out how to resolve them. And I recently bought some SSDs. You perfectly explained everything I've been trying to clarify. Thanks again

[@iampatrickmurphy]

That’s wonderful!! Please let me know if you need further help.l, and don’t forget to subscribe!

[@breathspinecore]

@@iampatrickmurphy Question: So I've formatted my Libraries just as you demonstrate, using a SSD. But then I also imported some images from my computer hard drive that weren't on the SSD. Is this why FCP created a second library for the project on my computer, in the Movies file, titled FCP Back Up? I didn't create this, and I can see the original Library on my SSD. Just wondering why I have this back up library on my computer that I didn't create. Thanks

[@alphabeets]

Patrick, this was a very helpful video. Thank you!

[@iampatrickmurphy]

I am so glad this video was helpful. Thanks for watching, and please don't forget to subscribe!

[@djpioneer937]

I am new to final cut. This video helped so much. Thanks

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Great to hear! Please subscribe if you have not already.

[@jdr2.paradigmabiblico128]

One of the best FCP online tutorials of its class.

[@iampatrickmurphy]

Thank you so much! You are too kind. Please do not forget to subscribe!

[@jarkkosaarikoski1715]

Thanks Patrick! Great tip! :)

[@iampatrickmurphy]

You bet! Please subscribe if you have not already!