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529Final Cut Pro User Guide
Add storylines in Final Cut Pro
Storylines are sequences of clips connected to the primary storyline (the main sequence
of clips in the timeline). Storylines combine the convenience of connected clips with the
precision editing capabilities of the primary storyline.
You can use storylines for the same purposes as connected clips—for example, creating
cutaways, compositing titles and other graphics, and adding sound effects and music. The
unique advantage of storylines is the ability to edit a sequence of connected clips within
the context of the other clips in the timeline. For example, you can add cross dissolve
transitions to a series of superimposed titles in a storyline and then adjust the timing of the
titles to match clips in the primary storyline.
Like connected clips, storylines can contain both video and audio, or they can be video
only or audio only. For more information about connected clips, see Connect clips in
Final Cut Pro.
You edit storylines using the same methods you use to edit the primary storyline. You can:
• Add clips: Drag clips to the storyline to add them, or use a standard append edit, insert
edit, replace edit, or overwrite edit.
• Add transitions, titles, effects, and generators: Add effects to a storyline by dragging
them or by using any of the standard commands and keyboard shortcuts.
Note: When you apply a transition to a clip connected to the primary storyline, a
storyline is automatically created for that clip.
• Trim clips: Use any of the standard trim edits in a storyline, including ripple edits, roll
edits, slip edits, and slide edits. You can also trim or move clips within storylines by
entering timecode values.
• Create split edits: Set separate video and audio start and end points in an individual clip
to create split edits (L-cuts and J-cuts) in a storyline.