How to Compress Video Footage Using Final Cut HD

Compressing through Final Cut Sequence

• 1

  Add your video to a Final Cut sequence. Be sure your sequence settings match the video settings. To navigate to the "Sequence Settings" window, click "Sequence > Settings." Select your in and out points in the sequence. This will be the video you want to compress.

• 2

  Click "File > Export > Using Quicktime Conversion." The "Save" window will appear.

• 3

  Choose the "Format" you want to export the video as. MPEG-4 and MOV work best for web and computer use while MPEG-2 is best for burning to DVD-Video.

• 4

  Choose "Default Settings" under "Use" or click "Options" to change the settings.

• 5

  If you click "Options," a new window will appear. Click the "Video" tab. Here you have the option of choosing the video settings such as frame size and compressor type. Choose current settings to export the video with the same frame size and compressor. Adjust the quality of the video--the lower the quality, the lower the file size.

• 6

  Click the "Audio" tab. Make sure that it is set to stereo and 48.1 kHz.

• 7

  Click "Save Settings." This will take you back to the "Save" window.

• 8

  Name the file and set the destination where you want to export it. Click "Save." The video will take a while to render and export, depending on the original file size.