Apple has updated Final Cut Pro X to version 10.3, adding new editing features for the Magnetic Timeline, support for the new MacBook Pro Touch Bar and a redesigned interface with full support for wide gamut color workflows. The Touch Bar replaces the keyboard’s traditional function row with a Multi-Touch display that dynamically adapts to Final Cut Pro X by putting intuitive, context-sensitive controls right at the user’s fingertips. Apple also released updates to Motion and Compressor.
“This is our biggest update to Final Cut Pro X since we completely redesigned it five years ago,” stated Susan Prescott, Apple’s Vice President of Apps Product Marketing. Other software producers may have turned this into version 11 upgrade, but Apple decided to designate it only a decimal point update. Why? Well, one can speculate that with many hardcore users migrating to Premiere and other software editing competitors after Apple iMovie-ized Final Cut, Apple wanted to reiterate the extreme value of Final Cut at only $299.
One of the biggest issues legacy editor had with the new version of Final Cut was the wonky magnetic timeline, which sometimes had a mind of its own. With the new Magnetic Timeline in Final Cut Pro X, users can understand their film at a glance with customizable arrangement and color coding of audio clips based on type or what Apple is calling a “role” — namely dialogue, music and effects. In addition, users can simply drag to instantly rearrange the vertical layout of their timeline or highlight specific audio roles while editing.
Integration with the Touch Bar on the new MacBook Pro boosts creativity and productivity by dynamically adapting to each task and presenting intuitive controls exactly when and where users need them – instead of using keyboard shortcuts. While using Final Cut Pro X the Touch Bar lets users instantly switch between editing tools, adjust audio levels and tap into useful commands for trimming and playback. It will even display a color-coded, interactive overview of the entire timeline so users can navigate their project with the touch of a finger.
A redesigned interface streamlines the layout of Final Cut Pro X to optimize screen space for MacBook Pro users, while a darker, flat look puts the focus on the content. Every customizable workspace allows users to adjust window arrangements for different tasks such as organizing, editing and color grading — even across multiple monitors. Full support for wide color workflows allows users to import, edit and deliver video in standard Rec. 601 and Rec. 709 color spaces, or in wide gamut Rec. 2020 color space. Wide gamut workflow is a big buzzword right now as the industry finally migrates away from the Rec. 709 standard, which was originally developed for Cathroid Tube Displays in the 1990s, and into Rec. 2020, designed for UHD, flat panel LCD displays and projectors. What’s the big deal? The “wider” gamut allows for more colors to be reproduced accurately for a more natural organic look.
Final Cut Pro 10.3 Features & Enhancements:
» New User Interface
» Customizable workspaces
» Flow transition creates invisibly smooth jump cuts
» Remove Attributes allows users to easily delete or reuse select effects across multiple clips
» Timecode overlay effect and generator allow users to edit with a large view of source timecode
» Rec. 2020 workflow
» Support for ProRes MXF, Panasonic V-Log and export of AVC-Intra
» Color code and batch assign roles
» Full-screen timeline and browser options for additional monitor use
» New Macbook Pro Touchbar integration
» Direct video output via Thunderbolt 3 enables high-quality video monitoring on an external display with a single cable
Motion 5.3 and Compressor 4.3 Updates
Motion 5.3 features a new interface with support for wide color workflows and 3D text enhancements that improve the performance and realism of 3D titles. The new Align To behavior lets users easily connect separate objects to create advanced animations, and Touch Bar support provides easy access to a wide range of interactive tools on the new MacBook Pro.
Compressor 4.3 has a new dark look to match Final Cut Pro X and Motion. Enhancements to iTunes Store Package creation let users easily browse, verify and compress packages so they can be delivered to the iTunes Store faster and fully compliant. Wide color support ensures end-to-end color fidelity when delivering files in standard and wide color spaces, and Touch Bar support simplifies common tasks like setting up batches and adding markers on the new MacBook Pro.
Apple’s Final Cut Pro 10.3 is available now as a free update today for existing users, and for $299.99 for new users on the Mac App Store. Motion 5.3 and Compressor 4.3 are also available as a free update today for existing users, and for $49.99 each for new users on the Mac App Store.
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