Tip #1514: Tilde Key Secrets

… for Apple Final Cut Pro X

Tip #1514: Tilde Key Secrets

Tilde overrides connections between clips.

The Tilde key (~) has two very useful – but obscure – functions in Final Cut Pro. Let me illustrate.

NOTE: The Tilde key is located immediately below the ESC key at the top left corner of the keyboard.

First, press Cmd + ~ to hide or display the Library list (called the “Sidebar”) to the left of the Browser.

Second, when you have audio connected to a clip in the Primary Storyline – for example, narration or a music clip – when you drag the clip in the Primary Storyline, all the clips attached to it move as well.

But, when tilde is pressed, the Primary Storyline clip moves without moving any of the connected clips.

The tilde key “overrides” connections, which is a very useful shortcut to know.

9 replies

stu aull says:
March 31, 2021 at 10:45 am

More Secret Sauce from Larry! many thanks Sir!!
Stu
Reply
Andrew Griffiths says:
March 29, 2021 at 1:44 pm

The tilde key on my keyboard (British English) is the next key to the left of Z. Works great in FCPX.
Reply
- Larry Jordan says:
  March 29, 2021 at 1:59 pm
  
  Andrew:
  
  Good to know – thanks!
  
  Larry
  Reply
Stefan Sonnekus says:
March 29, 2021 at 5:57 am

The tilde key also works when deleting clips from the primary storyline. Usually any video/audio clips connected to a clip you delete, will be deleted as well, but if you hold down the tilde key when you press delete, the connected clips will remain in place in relation to the primary storyline. The clips to the right (i.e. coming after the clip you’ve deleted) on the primary storyline will then move to the left to fill the gap and the connected clip/s will then be connected to the clip/s that have filled the position of the clip/s deleted from the primary storyline.
Reply
- Larry Jordan says:
  March 29, 2021 at 8:02 am
  
  Stefan:
  
  This is a VERY cool tip!
  
  Thanks,
  
  Larry
  Reply
Steve Sweitzer says:
March 29, 2021 at 5:02 am

This is a great tip. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’d use FCPX for years before I discovered it.
Reply
- Larry Jordan says:
  March 29, 2021 at 8:02 am
  
  Steve:
  
  Smile… Not to worry. I “discover” and then forget this tip on an annual basis.
  
  Larry
  Reply
Alex Ragen says:
March 29, 2021 at 3:54 am

Larry–
The location of the tilde key is different for non-US keyboards, as I’m sure you’re aware. It would be useful if you would include a note to that effect.
Thanks, Alex
Reply
- Larry Jordan says:
  March 29, 2021 at 8:00 am
  
  Alex:
  
  Nope. I wasn’t aware of this – all my keyboards are US English only. Thanks for letting me know.
  
  Larry
  Reply