Final Cut Fast - Proxy Media
Final Cut Pro can play many media formats but there may be times where you would want to create a proxy file. What are proxies? Proxies are lower-resolution, smaller-sized copies of the original media or video footage. You would make proxies for any of the following reasons:
You have an older computer that is struggling to play the full-resolution media
You are sharing a library, want to include media, but keep the library file size smaller.
You want to transcode your media to a more efficient, edit-friendly codec
Proxy media is a temporary stand-in for the original media. It allows editors to fluidly work on systems that cannot handle the high data rates of larger files. Editors could edit, correct or grade footage in proxy and then switch back to the original media before exporting the project.
Final Cut Pro can create proxy media in frame sizes from 12.5 percent to 100 percent of the original. Proxy files take up less storage space than the original media. When you create proxy media, Final Cut Pro retains the original media for future use.
Final Cut Pro can create proxy media at several stages of your workflow. Proxies can be created upon import or in the browser after the media has been imported. You can also create a proxy file using the Info inspector. Proxies are stored in the library or in the external location that you define.
Creating Proxy Media upon Import:
1. From the Media Import window, select the checkbox next to “Create proxy media.”
2. Select the proxy format and frame size.
The files are transcoded in the background.
Creating Proxy Media after import:
1. Control-click the clip that you want to transcode in the browser or sidebar.
2. From the menu of choices, click Transcode Media.
3. The Transcode Media window appears. Select Create proxy files.
4. Select the proxy format and frame size.
5. Click OK.
You can create proxy files when you drag files into Final Cut Pro. This is set up in the Final Cut Pro settings. You can also generate a proxy file from the Info inspector.
1. Select the clip in the browser and go to the Info inspector.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the Info inspector. You will see if a clip has proxy media available.
3. If it does not, click the Transcode Media button. You will work through the process as outlined above.
Note: The “Create proxy media” option will be dimmed if proxy media has already been created for that media.