fcpx export to mp4

The term "mp4" is vague, as mp4 is both a container format (somewhat related to Quicktime's mov container format) and an (obsolete) codec. The most common of its uses is to have a movie encoded with h264 codec and enclosed in an mp4 container - typically in a file with an .mp4 extension.

FCP X exports typically in Quicktime formats, thus creating files with extension .mov.

If you want to get .mp4 with h264 codec you can export to file, creating a .mov, and then use MPEG Streamclip to rewrap as mp4 (without recompressing the video). Just choose Save as... (do NOT choose Export, as that will recompress the video, degrading quality and wasting time) and select mp4 as the container.

In the Finder open the file that you exported from FCPX and hit Command–i to bring up the Inspector. Post a screenshot of the Inspector HUD.

Russ

jana130 wrote:

I followed your instructions and obviously missed something along the way. The resulting video quality was greatly diminished. Where are you saying to choose the option Save as? Thank you!

Please post a screenshot like Russ said.

I assumed you wanted to output a movie as an .mp4 file using the H264 codec.

To do that, my (now more detailed) suggestion is:

1) From FCP X, export master file, selecting H264 as the codec. [Note: this creates a .mov file]

2) Open the .mov file created in step 1 in MPEG Streamclip.

3) Select File->Save As... and in the dialog box switch from "MOV" to "MP4". Choose a name for the file and you're done. [Note: this keeps your video as is, but "rewraps" it in an mp4 container; so this operation will not decrease the quality. Play both the mov file and the mp4 file in QT Player; they should look identical]

Hi Jana

An easier way is just to do it straight from Final Cut!

1. Just choose File/Share/Master File
2. In the window that pops up click on the Settings tab
3. In the Format dropdown choose Computer.

You can also choose the resolution etc.

That will create a .MP4 video.

Hope that makes life easier.

In Compressor 4.1 - Create a New Setting: QuickTime Export Components

In the Inspector - Encoder Type - MPEG-4:

Now press Configure. You will get the MPEG-4 Export Component Dialog.

- File Format:MP4

- Video Format:H.264

Customize your settings:

Save the Setting.

* * *

In FCP X - Add a Share Destination/Compressor Settings. When you double click that Compressor Settings icon a sheet will drop. Navigate to your new Compressor setting and save.

Once you have your destination saved - it will be available as an output option from the Share Project menu.

-paul.

What you guys have suggested here exports in stereo and not in surround. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

This is an old thread. What version of FCP are you using? Are you asking about FCP or Compressor? What is the format of your clips? Open one of them in Videospec of MediaInfo and post a screenshot of what it reports.

Russ

I am using FCP 10.1.1 and the format of the movies are m2ts. The thing is I am having trouble exporting the m2ts, because when master file is chosen it fails to export. When apple device format is chosen it does export but it doesn't maintain 5.1 surround sound. However when I convert the m2ts to H264 mp4 using handbrake and then import to FCPX. then I can edit and then export it as master file to maintain 5.1 surround sound. Any ideas?

Another thing I noticed is that for m2ts files shorter than 3 minutes it does export/share using master file config, but longer than that and it fails. There are numourous files I have tried, none work. Here's a mediainfo and vlc inspector screen shots.