… for Apple Final Cut Pro X

Tip #641: The Secret is Blend Modes

Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com

The secret is blend modes and a compound clip.

Here’s a straight-forward technique to put video inside a text clip, then key the results over a second video clip. And, for extra credit, I’ll show you how to add a drop shadow.

This is a three-layer effect using blend modes and a compound clip.

SETUP

• On the Primary Storyline, put the background. The blue clip, in my screen shot.
• On the layer above that, put the video you want to place inside the text. The glowing orange in my example.
• On the layer above that, on the top layer, put the text.
• Select the Primary Storyline clip and type V to make it invisible.

FILL THE TEXT

• Select the text clip.
• Go to the Video Inspector and set the blend mode for the text clip to Stencil Alpha.

The text is now filled with the image on Layer 2

PUT IT OVER THE BACKGROUND

• Select the background clip and type V to make it visible again.
• Select the text clip and the video on layer 2.
• Go to New > Compound Clip.
• Accept the default name and click OK.

The filled text now appears over the background on the Primary Storyline.

Done!

EXTRA CREDIT

• Select the compound clip.
• Go to Effects > Stylize and apply a drop shadow to the compound clip.
• Adjust until it looks good to you.