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Tip #854: A Hidden Search Feature

… for Apple Final Cut Pro X

Tip #854: A Hidden Search Feature

Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com

Notes can be entered in the browser or the Info Inspector. (The Inspector is easier.)

The Browser Notes field. (It’s position is shifted left by several columns.)

Topic $TipTopic

There’s a hidden feature in Final Cut that can make your searches more effective. However, it’s hidden in plain sight.

When you use the Search box at the top of the browser to look for a clip, it is actually searching in two places: the file name and the Notes field. By default, the Notes field is empty but you can add anything you want. Here’s how:

  • Switch the browser to List view (Shortcut: Option + Cmd + 2).
  • Scroll right until you find the Notes column.

NOTE: Columns can be moved left or right by dragging the column header. Reveal columns by Control-clicking any column header.

  • Click once in the Notes field. Wait a few seconds.
  • Click once, again, in the Notes field. Wait a few seconds.
  • The Notes field will open for editing. Enter any relevant text pertaining to that clip.

EXTRA CREDIT

Many asset management systems allow you to add notes to a clip before importing it into Final Cut.

I find it faster to select a clip, then go to the Info Inspector and enter directly into the Notes field there. This bypasses all the waiting for the Notes field to open.


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2 replies
  1. Mr. Alan M. Halfhill
    Mr. Alan M. Halfhill says:

    I use the notes field in FCPX extensively. One of my favorite things is to keyword an interviewee, then drag quotes of what they are saying to make clips than I can name in the notes field. I names it what they said. It can be as long as you want. That way when I am looking for a certain quote, all I do is find by searching with park of the quote.

    Reply

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