Freezing Frames in split screens in FCP 12.3

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Freezing Frames in split screens in FCP 12.3

When I create a split screen in FCP 12.3 it freezes one or both frames on playback. Is this a bug? Is there a fix? Workaround?

When I try to play the project the initial frames are frozen at my in-point but the audio starts playing. After a bit the video begins to play in both frames but the audio is displaced by the amount of time the frames were frozen.

I've tried the usual fixes- deleting rendered files and reseting my preferences.

I also note that if I restart FCP it always wants to re-render that section of my timeline.

Posted on Sep 7, 2026 12:02 PM

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Answer 1

terryb

Level 4

3,776 points

Sep 9, 2026 12:14 PM in response to Steve.Walker

I found https://vimeo.com/29981107 and https://youtu.be/HNO0Y2iToWI?t=248 which show "CrumplePop SplitScreen X." If this is the plugin you're using, it's 15 years old and no longer in development. I'm surprised it works at all in FCP 12.3.

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Answer 2

Sep 7, 2026 10:29 PM in response to Steve.Walker

Turn off background rendering.
Specify the range you want to play back and render it using Control+R.
Check the status of your Mac, following everyone's advice.

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Answer 3

Sep 9, 2026 1:51 PM in response to terryb

I agree with terryb. That plugin is so old I am amazed it still works in the current version of FCP.

You really don't need a plugin to do a simple split screen. You can easily do it right in FCP without using anything else.

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Answer 4

Steve.Walker Author

Level 1

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Sep 9, 2026 11:37 AM in response to BenB

It's labeled "Crumblepop Splitscreen Generator X" not Stupid Raisins under the Generators list.

I think I've found a workaround. If I select a start frame in just a bit things seem to work.

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Answer 5

terryb

Level 4

3,776 points

Sep 7, 2026 3:28 PM in response to Steve.Walker

What shot the footage? What are the specs (4K, 8K, frame rate, codec, etc.)? Where is the media stored? How much free space is on the System drive? As @Old_Video_Guy says, playing back two streams typically should not be difficult.

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Answer 6

Steve.Walker Author

Level 1

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Sep 9, 2026 2:45 PM in response to Old_Video_Guy

Thank ya'll for help and suggestions. I have it working now.

I have experienced the same issue using other split screen plug-ins, even current issue plug-ins. I like the Crumblepop one because up until now it has been simple to use and very effective.

I can see I need to up my game a bit and move towards more modern methods and plug-ins.

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Answer 7

Sep 9, 2026 3:38 PM in response to Steve.Walker

Steve, I want to repeat what I sad a few posts above this one. You don’t need a “plug in” to do a simple spit screen. FCP has the tools to do this quickly and easily right within FCP without the need for a plug in. Size, position, and maybe a crop are all you need.

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