Editing with the Powerful Position Tool 

There's a reason why I chose Ripple Training to teach me FCPX back in 2011 - and why a decade later I am STILL learning new things! I'm going to grab a coffee and re-discover the Position Tool. Thanks guys. : )

Those voiceover tips... 👌 It’s like you guys watch me edit and go, “here’s a better way to do that!”

TooL Position > Thanks Steve. Additional Note > When Needing the POSITION TooL Just for a Moment, Just Press the P-Key & Keep IT HeLd Down for the Duration You Need It, ReLease the P-Key & Your Cursor Returns Back to the DefauLt SeLect-Setting. PS: - I Like the Way Steve Orders the Keystroke Commands Option + Command, the way the keys fall on the keyboard, instead of Always Listing Command FIRST, Like most people Do.

So so good. The reason why I really like FCPX is the magnetic timeline, ease of split edits, and ease of multicam edits. This is one of those videos you need to watch once a week for a few weeks to really drive it into your muscle memory. Incredibly useful!

Wow. I use voice over all the time. That voice over P usage is a game changer for me. Thank you.

Wow! So. Much. Lost. Time. Where’s the position tool been all my (editing) life? Thanks, Steve! Unspeakably useful tutorial!

Thanks Steve! I'm always learning something new from Ripple Training.

Thanks Steve, I agree that the #1 reason I choose FCPX is the magnetic timeline, there’s dozens of other reasons as well like the simplicity of the layout (especially when editing on laptops), speed and reliability, the organisational tools like Keyword Collections, audio roles, connected clips over tracks and so on but if I had to pick just one reason why it’s my NLE of choice the magnetic timeline is definitely it. I use the VO method all the time and it works great so it’s good to know it’s also the way you recommend doing it also but the tip to ungroup the VO afterwards to allow easy repositioning of clips with the relevant VO is a great idea. The one thing I really wish Apple would do with the position tool though is the ability to use it with a hot key that allows you to select one clip in the timeline while zoomed in so that you can’t see the entire edit and then move that clip and everything else behind it leaving a gap for all. I forget the keys now but you used to be able to do this in FCP7 (and earlier versions) where you get a right pointing arrow tool and then with the hot key it would turn into a double arrow icon and move everything from that point onwards without overwriting instead of having to zoom out and select all the clips from that point back… it’s not a huge thing but it would be nice.

Binge watching your videos is more fun than Netflix. Thank you for your content!

Thank you! I always tell people FCP is an excellent software and I’m only using 10% of its capacities. So it’s great to learn new stuff here.

I didn't know the P tool worked quite like that, so thanks: it's great!!. I use another work-around to selectively break and manipulate the magnetic timeline. Most of my workflow involves matching the video to a pre-recorded audio track (like in music vids). So the first thing to do is to place makers at key point in the audio (using the "m" shortcut). I then add a "blank" gap generator (alt-w) for the length of the audio. Clips can then be placed on top of the gap generator where they will stick. Gaps and time shifts can be introduced by cutting the generator with the blade tool (b) and adjusting the position or length of the generator. Anything attached to that section will move if the section is moved, but other parts will not, which is great when you need to keep transitions or whatever tightly linked to the audio. Using the "snap" option can help get the generator or its overlying clips aligned with the audio when moving a lot of stuff around... Does that make sense? Happy to be told otherwise!!

25 years as an FCP editor and still learning!! Thanks for such a valuable time saving tip!!! Ripple is my manual for all things FCPX!!! Cheers!

More fantastic tips. Thanks, Steve!!

Steve, wow these are some amazing tips. I love watching your channel and learning how to use FCPX more effectively. Thank you sir.

Those are great tips! Thanks, Steve! I always learn something watching Ripple Training.

Thank you Steve. That demonstration is a real eye opener! There is so much in Final Cut Pro that's hiding beneath the surface, just as in your scuba diving!

This has helped me so much, thank you!

Never used this option... Afraid I will have forgotten it if ever I need it... One gets stuck easily in its way of editing... Yet a great video thnx.

fantastic !! Many thanks !!!!

The Position Tool is now my favorite editing tool, thanks Steve!

Voice over!!! Thanks heaps! 😁🤙

Indeed I learn a lot about the position tool. Thank you

Now I'm in a better position for my next edit. Thx.

This is superb Steve. In 5 mins or so you've packed loads of really useful tips. I'd say most FCP editors would learn something new here.

Great tips! Those VO shortcuts are very helpful.

Thanks for the great video! very helpful!

I like using the position tool to finesse the start/end of a clip without affecting the project timeline.

Another way to create breathing space somewhere in the time line is using the index to select all the clip beyond where you want the space to be and then using the position tool to move everything, like you described. I find this useful on more complex storylines to ensure that the gap starts where I want it to start. It would be even more convenient if there would be a function to select everything from the cursor to the end.

Excellently presented. Thanks.

Great video as always.

Crazy helpful! Subscribed!😃

Learnt new techniques- didn’t know

Great tips Steve. Thanks!

Mind blown 🤯 great tips Steve!

Fantastic job guys!

Excellent as always. Thanks.

Thanks for showing this.

At the beginning of the NLE's life (back when it was called Final Cut Pro X... remember that??? LOLOL) I was told that pressing "p" is a good way to make pretend that Final Cut Pro X (LOLOL) behaves more like Final Cut Pro 7. It really helped me learn how to use the different features of the new NLE at my own pace. Of course now I'm all about the magnetic timeline and rarely need to press "p".

Great content. Thank you for teaching me something new!

Great tutorial, please post more on how to use more tools in fcpx

Err... been using FCPX since it came out (almost 10 years ago, what??!) and I don’t know if I’ve ever used the position tool 🤣 shame on me!! I will now tho! Please tell me I’m not the only one! Thanks Steve excellent tips as ever 👍👍

Magnetic timeline and no subscription are my favourite features to use FCP

Did not know about position tool thanks will try it soon

Great content🔥

great tool and what is better is that how easy you explain things! thanks so much

fan tas tic !!!

Wow thank you Sir. I had no idea this tool was avail.

Reference New Parent Clip. Such a timesaver.

Thanks a lot - very helpful

Learned something new

Thanks for the vid.

Thank you so much. Great tips as always.

Thanks. This was helpful.

Thanks

Thanks ！

🤯 thanks!

Great info, thank you.

Thanks for those. That’s news I can use. I really like using FCPX. What I hate is the terrible job Apple has always done marketing it. NOBODY in the DFW area is looking for FCP editors. Every single job posting requires the level of Adobe knowledge I possess in FCPX. Subscribing to Adobe is easier than actually thinking. I’ve saved thousands by buying FCPX and the Affinity suite. Both are excellent, but nobody knows it.

Too good❤

Yap, I use position-tool most of the time actually

I was wondering how do I bring multiple highlighted clips together at once to collapse together as separate clips though not compound

Every day is a school day

Text disturbs

Thanks