Tip #1426: Create a Stand-Alone Still Frame
… for Apple Final Cut Pro X
Tip #1426: Create a Stand-Alone Still Frame
Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com
Stand-alone still frames are highly flexible separate pieces of media.

One of the more helpful hidden features in Final Cut Pro is creating a stand-alone still frame. Most of the time, a hold frame (Shift + H) works fine.
But, when you need to create a separate piece of media that can be moved anywhere and trimmed to any length, still frames are the best choice. I use these constantly when I’m editing my webinars. Here’s how to create them.
NOTE: Be warned. Unlike a hold frame, still frames are separate media, meaning they are easy to move out of sync.
There are two options:
- Edit the still frame into the Primary Storyline, at the position of the playhead.
- Edit the still frame into a higher layer, at the position of the playhead.
To create a still frame and edit it into the Primary Storyline at the position of the playhead:
- Put the playhead on the frame you want to freeze.
- Type Option + F.
- A still frame appears, with a duration equal to the still image duration set in Preferences > Editing > Still Image.
To create a still frame and edit it onto a higher layer at the position of the playhead:
- Select the clip you want to create the still frame from.
- Put the playhead on the frame you want to freeze.
- Type Shift + F. This creates a match frame in the Browser.
- Type Option + F. This edits the frame into position
This is so cool! You’ve saved me tons of time, thank you.
Constance:
Yay! Happy to help.
Larry