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Copying a sequence or clips from one timeline to paste in another timeline

I am working in FCPX with multiple SSD's and have been copying sequences and also simple clips from one timeline on one disk to paste them in another timeline on another disk, all on the same network. Problem is, it seems that I am copying all the clips from the first project into the second which makes it very heavy as far a disk space consumption. How can I achieve this procedure without so many useless extra files tagging along?

Mac mini, macOS 13.2

Posted on Aug 28, 2024 12:13 PM

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8 replies

Aug 28, 2024 12:52 PM in response to Michel Chauvin

As Tom says, it depends on how you've configured your libraries.


Copy or move items between libraries in Final Cut Pro for Mac - Apple Support (English)


"When you import media into Final Cut Pro, you can select the “Leave files in place” option to link to the files in their current location rather than copy them into the library. In that case, Final Cut Pro creates symbolic links (also called symlinks), which are special files that point to the media files. When you copy or move clips between events, only the symbolic links are copied or moved (not the source media files)."

Aug 28, 2024 1:01 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Thank you for your quick response, Tom. In each case, the media is stored inside the libraries. The reason for this being that I will eventually have to send the final edit to have the colour correction and audio mix done elsewhere. Therefore, in my case, this means sending an entire SSD enclosure away complete with all the original data required. Each library is located on its own disk. The initial library has assembled footage from a particular interview and the second library contains an off-line edit comprising of several sequences from various interviews copied from various libraries. As mentioned before, the off-line disk is getting loaded with numerous and useless clips and - even though I am working with a 4Tb SSD - I am worried about running out of space.


Aug 28, 2024 1:52 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Well ...allright. If this is the way it has to be, then so be it. Still, it is strange that a relatively sophisticated application like FCP will not let you delete unused media files while moving an edit along. I know I can remove some render files and even some optimized media files, but it still leaves me with heavy leftover files on the disk. Why doesn't the system only copy the files pertinent to the sequence(s) you want? By the way, I'm working with simple HD files... Thank you again, Tom.

Copying a sequence or clips from one timeline to paste in another timeline

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