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How to Move FCP Projects

Each project in Final Cut Pro (FCP) is composed of two distinct parts -- the project file and the source files. The project file points to the source files and records all of your editorial decisions. The source files include all of the media contained in your project. You need to move all of these files to successfully move your project. Fortunately, Final Cut Pro's media manager tool provides a straightforward method for accomplishing this task.

Instructions

    • 1

      Create and name a folder for your FCP project in the location to which you wish to move the project.

    • 2

      Open your project in Final Cut Pro

    • 3

      Activate your project's file tab in the browser by clicking on it.

    • 4

      Press "Command+A" to select everything in the file tab.

    • 5

      From the file menu, select "Media Manager." This will open a new window.

    • 6

      In the summary area, note the amount of disk space taken up by the media. Make sure that you have at least that much space on the drive to which you wish to move your project.

    • 7

      In the media area, choose "Copy" or "Move" from the pop-up menu. Selecting "Copy" will create a duplicate of your media files, while selecting "Move" will move the originals to the destination you select. While either method works, "Copy" is usually recommended because if the process is interrupted, your original project will still be connected to all the media.

    • 8

      Check the box labeled "Include Render Files."

    • 9

      Uncheck the boxes labeled "Include Master Clips Outside Selection" and "Delete Unused Media From Duplicated Items." Because you are moving all of your project's contents, these are unnecessary.

    • 10

      From the pop-up menu labeled "Base Media File Names On" select "Existing File Names."

    • 11

      In the project area, check the box labeled "Duplicate Selected Items and Place Into a New Project" if you chose "Copy" instead of "Move" in the media area.

    • 12

      Uncheck the box labeled "Include Nonactive Multiclip Angles." Because you are moving all of your project's contents, this is unnecessary.

    • 13

      In the media destination area, click on the button labeled "Browse." This will give you a dialog box where you can choose where to save your files.

    • 14

      Navigate to the folder you created for your project and click "Choose."

    • 15

      Click "Okay" in the media manager to continue.

    • 16

      When prompted to save your project file, name your file.

    • 17

      Navigate to the folder you created for your project and click "Choose." The dialog box will then close and return you to the media manager.

    • 18

      In the media manager, click "Save." The media manager will either move your project and media or save a copy to the destination you have chosen.

Film Production

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