Like recording and importing, Cinema Studies has specific recommend standards for exporting files. This page will primarily focus on exporting or sharing your files from Final Cut Pro 10.2, but the basic concepts and codec and file definitions can be applied to any Non-Linear Editing Program.
As with all information on this website confirm these standards with your instructor and always pay attention to individual assignment and project guidelines.
1. Codec – FCPX gives you two primary codecs to choose from when exporting a master file. They are Apple ProRes 422 and H.264.
You should always export a final version of your work using the Apple ProRes 422 codec. This will be a high quality video file that you can edit again later if needed. The H.264 codec will generate a more compressed file and is more useful if you plan to post your file to a service like Youtube or Vimeo..
More on Codecs:
Apple ProRes 422 – at 1080/24 fps a 5 minute file with the ProRes 422 codec will be about 4.3 GB.
H.264 – at 1080/24 fps a 5 minute file with the H.264 codec will be about 2.8 GB. *Note that most video streaming services like Youtube or Vimeo automatically adjust the video file resolution to 720p, creating a smaller file size.
2. Resolution & Frame Rate – For most projects in Cinema Studies production classes your final video should most often be at 1080 lines of resolution and 24 frames per second. Always check this with your instructor and the specific assignment instructions. You should also take into consideration what settings you recorded the original media at.
Note: When exporting a Master File from FCPX your resolution and frame rate will always match your project resolution If you need video files of different resolutions or frame rates you must create multiple projects and copy your final timeline into them.
3. Location & Name – Always pay attention to where you are saving and your file and the naming convention for your class and assignment. Also always remember to watch the final video that you exported before you turn it in to make sure you exported the correct video with the correct settings.
This page was written by Kevin May for the University of Oregon Cinema Studies Program and is published under Creative Commons license (CC BY NC SA 3.0)