How to Apply An Effect to All Clips in Timeline?

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Level 1

8 points

How to Apply An Effect to All Clips in Timeline?

Hi, I've finished editing a 2-3 minute video. I want to add the Effect "Letterbox" to ALL of the clips in the timeline. The issue is not only that though, when I add Letterbox effect to the clip, it's the default 1:85.1 setting, where-as I want it to be 2:35.1.

So even if I apply an effect to ALL clips (which I don't know how to do) it would be 1:85.1 on all clips, then I would have to go to each one and using Inspector, adjust each cut to have the 2:35.1 ratio.

Long story short, can I adjust an effect then apply that "custom" effect to all clips? If so, how?

Final Cut Pro X, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Nov 28, 2012 7:48 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 28, 2012 8:58 PM in response to SRodriguez28

Yes. Select the whole clip. Then Command-C to copy. Then Edit/Paste Effects.

If you do Edit/Paste it would paste the whole clip. But it you say Edit/ Paste Effects it will paste only the effects.

There is also Edit/Paste Attributes which gives you a fine level of detail of what gets pasted.

I tested before I answered so I know this works with Letterbox.

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Answer 2

dastoelk

Level 3

706 points

Nov 28, 2012 8:30 PM in response to SRodriguez28

PARTIAL ANSWER:

Unsure how to get THAT specific aspect ratio. Others will have to help you with that one. But, as far as applying the effect to the ENTIRE timeline / project:

HIghlight all the clips you want affected, and drag your effect over.

Here's a thread on the topic:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1061864

Or alternately...

Compound clip.

Well... If you're sure you are "done" with the project, you COULD turn the ENTIRE timeline and all its attachments into one big compound clip.

Thus, when you drag an effect to that ONE compound clip... voila... you are affecting EVERYTHING nested in said clip.

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Answer 3

Nov 28, 2012 8:44 PM in response to SRodriguez28

Apply your effect to a single clip. Then Command-C to copy.

Now select all the clips you want to apply this to. (Command-A will select all clips, Command-click will select individual clips)

Then, Edit/Paste Effects

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Answer 4

SRodriguez28 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 28, 2012 8:48 PM in response to AppleMan1958

When you say to Command-C to copy. Are you saying I can copy the effect on a clip and paste that effect to other clips? Because when I Command-C on a clip, it takes the whole clip.

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Answer 5

SRodriguez28 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 28, 2012 9:01 PM in response to AppleMan1958

Awesome! I will try that. Thanks!

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