AI Video Editing Tools for Free with Final Cut Pro

Introduction

In this article, we explore the integration between Final Cut Pro and an emerging AI video editing application called Descript. Descript is designed to streamline the video editing process by allowing users to make edits directly in text, simplifying the workflow for creating polished videos. Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively work between these two platforms, particularly focusing on handling frame rates and media reconnections.

The Workflow Between Final Cut Pro and Descript

After experimenting with Descript, a few challenges were noted, especially concerning screen recordings made via QuickTime Player. QuickTime records at a variable frame rate, which can lead to unexpected frame rates when importing into editing software. For instance, a recording might come out at 55.05 frames per second. When this file was imported into Descript and subsequently exported for Final Cut Pro, the reconnection process wouldn’t work properly.

Setting Up a New Timeline

To tackle this issue, a new timeline was created in Final Cut Pro. The following steps helped to conform the media into a standardized frame rate:

1. Set the timeline's frame rate to 60 frames per second.
2. Import the 55.05 frames per second clip into this timeline.
3. Export the timeline to create a 60 frames per second version of the original recording.

Once the screen recording was re-exported at the stricter frame rate, moving back into Descript worked better for media reconnection.

Utilizing Descript for Editing

Descript is a powerful editing tool that uses transcription to simplify the video editing workflow. Users can edit video content by selecting text in its transcription, which automatically reflects changes on the timeline. This method allows for quick scanning, finding repetitions, and editing gaps by either deleting unnecessary words or dragging text to tighten the timing.

The editing features include:

• Transcription-based Editing: Adjusting the text will edit the corresponding video timeline.
• Drag-and-Drop Scripting: Users can tighten edits by moving text around.
• Easy Playback: Changes can be immediately tested by playing back the timeline after edits.

Exporting to Final Cut Pro

Once the editing is finished in Descript, you can publish the timeline directly into Final Cut Pro format by following these steps:

1. Choose the "Publish" option in Descript and select "Export."
2. Opt for the Final Cut Pro XML format and decide whether to include media files. Since the media was already available, it wasn’t necessary to include it in the export.
3. After exporting, create a new event in Final Cut Pro and import the XML file.

Upon importing, recognize that there may be missing files. The next step involves reconnecting the original media:

• With a missing clip highlighted in the timeline, use Shift + F to create the clip in your library.
• Go to File > Re-link Files to Original Media, locate the original screen recording exported at 60 frames per second, and reconnect it.

Once finalized, all edits and transcription work smoothly within Final Cut Pro, allowing users to utilize its advanced features for graphics and other editing tools.

Conclusion

This workflow showcases a method to combine the advantages of AI-driven editing with powerful non-linear editing software. By exporting at the correct frame rates and understanding the media connection processes, users can seamlessly integrate Descript and Final Cut Pro in their video projects. Additionally, the emerging AI tools offer new ways of refining video edits, presenting interesting possibilities for future editing endeavors.

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Keywords

• AI Video Editing
• Final Cut Pro
• Descript
• XML Export
• Frame Rates
• Screen Recording
• Video Editing Workflow
• Media Reconnection

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FAQ

Q: What is Descript?
A: Descript is an AI-powered video editing tool that allows users to edit video content through transcription and text manipulation.

Q: Why was there an issue with frame rates in my screen recording?
A: QuickTime Player records in variable frame rates, which can result in mismatched frame rates when importing into editing software like Final Cut Pro.

Q: How can I export my work from Descript to Final Cut Pro?
A: You can export your timeline from Descript in the XML format specifically for Final Cut Pro, allowing for a smoother integration.

Q: What should I do if I see missing files when importing the XML into Final Cut Pro?
A: If experiencing missing files, create a new clip in your library with Shift + F, and then re-link the original media file to restore all edits and transcriptions.

Q: How does editing in Descript differ from traditional video editing?
A: Descript allows for text-based editing, where changes in the transcription automatically adjust the video timeline, making it a unique and efficient method compared to traditional video editors.