Final Cut Pro 12.3 timeline replaced when adding clips from common library

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Level 1

21 points

Final Cut Pro 12.3 timeline replaced when adding clips from common library

I keep common elements such as Intros, Outros, and Lower Thirds in their own FCP library, then create a new library for each job that I edit. Prior to FCP 12.3, while working on my job's timeline I could select a clip in my "common" library in the Library List and press Q, W, or E to drop that clip onto my timeline (which was still visible in the timeline viewer).

In FCP 12.3, when I select a clip in my "common" library (or select that library itself) in the Library List FCP replaces my job's timeline with one that says, Create Project.

Is this a bug? It certainly seems to me to be a regression failure. Do you have any suggestions how I can now bring a clip from my common library onto the timeline in my job's library?

Mac Studio, macOS 26.5

Posted on Aug 13, 2026 11:27 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

FastBill Author

Level 1

21 points

Aug 26, 2026 9:14 AM in response to FastBill

Solved!

I quit FCP and started it while pressing Command and Option. I deleted custom settings. Result: No change. When I select a clip in my "common" library, the timeline still shows Create Project. I then realized that my "common" library does not contain any projects -- it only has individual clips and composite clips. I created a new project in that library, and now FCP 12.3 behaves as prior releases did. Did 12.3 introduce a requirement that there must be at least 1 project in a library? Or has this always been true but a "loophole" in FCP allowed it to behave normally even if I selected a clip in a library that contained no projects?

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Answer 2

Aug 13, 2026 1:36 PM in response to FastBill

I cannot reproduce the issue.

Try deleting preferences.

To delete preferences, hold down command and option while starting the application and click Delete Custom Settings. The application will start with default settings and open an "Untitled" library. Adjust the settings, reopen the library you were working, and see how it works now.

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Answer 3

terryb

Level 4

3,724 points

Aug 26, 2026 10:49 AM in response to FastBill

Thank you for reporting your findings. That sure seems like a bug though I'm not sure how common it is to have a library without a single project. Report via Final Cut Pro->Provide Final Cut Pro Feedback... or Feedback - Final Cut Pro - Apple

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Answer 4

BenB

Level 6

13,716 points

Aug 13, 2026 1:58 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

I keep all that stuff in an Event, but still, yes, that's a bug for sure. Do what Luis says. I'd also delete all render files before deleting prefs, and turn off background rendering first.

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