How to import content from Apples Photo app to Final Cut Pro?

Question

Level 1

60 points

How to import content from Apples Photo app to Final Cut Pro?

Started a trial for Creative Studio several weeks ago. I have been a long time Adobe Photography user for sometime, but now checking FCP and several other apps. I have imported video and photo files into FCP from another directory. However, I have not figured out how to import videos/photos from within the Apple photos app. So how do I import in from Apples Photo App?

I gotta believe there’s an easy way due to integration between 2 Apple apps.

Thanks

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 26.6

Posted on Oct 30, 2026 10:09 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 1, 2026 12:15 AM in response to ejg999

ejg999 wrote:

So, I get get to the photos or videos using method B; however, I am not able to import or add them to my media in the project. The video shows in the content window (upper middle window), but Im never able to add it to my project video library or to the timeline.

That should work if you create a FCP project and drag the desired Photos library image/movie to it.

As Meg The Dog said, it might take a while with an Optimized Photos iCloud library if a large movie is iCloud-only and must be fully downloaded locally before it can be imported.

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Answer 2

Oct 30, 2026 11:48 PM in response to ejg999

a) Photos > File > Export > Export Unmodified Originals... (or Export modified). Then FCP > File > Import > Media...

b) Or: Photos > Settings... > Use as System Photo Library (so other apps can access that library). Then in FCP:

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Answer 3

Meg The Dog

Level 6

14,102 points

Oct 31, 2026 8:21 PM in response to ejg999

Works on my system as expected. Are you using iCloud to store your photos/videos? FCP will only work with local media, so there may be a delay while the media is downloaded to your computer.

MtD

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Answer 4

ejg999 Author

Level 1

60 points

Oct 31, 2026 8:07 PM in response to Matti Haveri

So, I get get to the photos or videos using method B; however, I am not able to import or add them to my media in the project. The video shows in the content window (upper middle window), but Im never able to add it to my project video library or to the timeline.

At this point disappointed that these 2 Apple products don't have the ease of integration to pull videos and photos from the photo app especially since that's the app Apple wants on the photos and videos to reside.

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