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711Final Cut Pro User Guide
Add transitions between color corrections in Final Cut Pro
The most powerful and accurate way to change a color correction over time is to use
keyframes to animate the changes. However, there may be times when you want to use
a transition instead. For example, if you want a scene to gradually highlight the face of
an actor, you could use a transition to dissolve between the original clip and a second
instance of the clip that has a shape mask around the face and a color correction that
darkens the image outside of the mask.
1. In Final Cut Pro, temporarily switch to the Blade tool by holding down the B key.
2. In the timeline, click a video clip at the point where you want to change between color
corrections.
The clip splits into two clips.
3. Apply a different color correction to each clip.
You can also leave one clip uncorrected and apply a color correction to the other.
The color correction could be an exaggerated tint, an exposure change, or any other
noticeable adjustment.
4. Select the edit point between the two clips, then press Command-T to insert a cross
dissolve.
When you play the clip, one color correction dissolves into the other as the edit point is
passed.
Save color correction presets in Final Cut Pro
You can save a clip’s color correction settings as a preset, making it easy to apply those
settings to other clips in the same project or a different project.
Save a color correction preset
1. In the Final Cut Pro timeline, select a clip that has the color correction look you want to
save, then open the color correction in the Color inspector.
2. Click the Save Effects Preset button in the lower-right corner of the Color inspector.
3. In the window that appears, adjust the settings for the preset:
• Name: Type a name for the preset.
• Category: Choose the Effects browser category your preset will appear in.
• Attributes: Make sure the checkboxes for the attributes you want to include in the
preset are selected.
• Keyframe Timing: If your color correction preset includes keyframes, select one of
the following:
• Maintain: Leaves the duration between keyframes unchanged.
• Stretch to Fit: Adjusts the keyframes in time to match the duration of the
destination clip.
4. Click Save.