FCP - Reverse Order of All Clips in Timeline

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Level 2

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FCP - Reverse Order of All Clips in Timeline

Hello,

I'm wondering if there's an easy way to reverse the order of all clips already placed onto the Timeline of Final Cut Pro. Would this be possible?

I'm using FCP version 10.6.8. on my 2015 MBP running macOS Monterey version 12.7.5

Backstory: Using my camcorder I created a lengthy tutorial - with dozens of clips - all in chronological order. It turns out that when importing into FCP and then dragging all clips onto the timeline the order is reversed in time.

The clips (file names) are similar to this MVI_5535, MVI_5536, MVI_5537, and so on. Earlier in time corresponds to a smaller file number. Example: MVI_5535 is first in time, MVI_5536 is chronologically second, and so forth.

When I drag all clips (about 26 clips) to the timeline the order is chronologically reversed.

Of course I could manually drag one clip at a time in any order I like - but, that might be a drag.

Or, maybe I could rename each file (possibly finding an automated method) - laborious.

Anyway, I figured it's worth asking if FCP can do some of that work for me by simply reversing the order of all these clips.

Thanks for reading!

Silver Mica

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Jul 25, 2024 3:28 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BenB

Level 6

13,324 points

Jul 25, 2024 7:53 PM in response to silver_mica

FCP places them in order you selected them.

Click the Name column header so they sort by name.

Select the first clip.

Shift-click the last clip.

Then use E to put them into the Timeline in correct order.

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Answer 2

fox_m

Level 6

13,354 points

Jul 25, 2024 4:25 PM in response to silver_mica

Here's one way:

Create a New Keyword Collection -- call it something like "reverse clips".

Select all the clips from your Event Browser and drag them to "reverse clips". (Command click each clip or select the first clip then holding the shift key, select the last clip, or type command-A to select all as long there are no extraneous clips in the mix).

Change their order:

[If they're sequentially named, then this all becomes really easy! You can shortcut this whole process.]

Then select all the clips in the keyword collection and type the E key which should apply them in the order you selected.

You can then delete the Keyword Collection if it's no longer needed (your clips will still be in their original Event location in their original order.)

HTH

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FCP - Reverse Order of All Clips in Timeline

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