Discovering Features and Capabilities

Apple’s Final Cut Pro, which has long been a robust, capable, stable and favorite video-editing tool for Mac users, is now available in an iPad version. The price and tablet-friendly features make the video-editing app worth checking out; However, the iPad version has significant limitations compared to its Mac counterpart. Before you sign up for a one-year commitment—Final Cut Pro for iPad is sold only as a subscription product—there are a few things to know.

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How much is Final Cut Pro for iPad?

A monthly subscription to Final Cut Pro for iPad only costs $4.99; Annual cost is $49. There’s a free one-month trial available, so you don’t have to take any huge risks trying out new iPad apps.

Which iPad models can run Final Cut Pro?

For Final Cut Pro for iPad to run, you must be using a fifth-generation iPad Air, third- or fourth-generation 11-inch iPad Pro, or fifth- or sixth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro running iPadOS 16.4 or newer . You’ll notice a distinct trend within those requirements: An iPad with Apple’s M1 or M2 chip is required to run Final Cut Pro for iPad.

What Features Are Included in Final Cut Pro for iPad?

Using Final Cut Pro for iPad, you can record video, edit footage, complete production and share finished works, whether for advertising, marketing, public relations or other needs including social media Have to complete

The layout of the app is similar to Mac. A preview window appears at the top-left corner, a media window appears at the top-right corner, and a timeline anchor appears at the bottom of the screen (picture a, Navigation is intuitive and supports using your finger or the Apple Pencil. Many windows can be resized, and many onscreen elements can be minimized or hidden to create more real estate for the window you’re actively working with.

picture a

The interface is specifically designed to support the touch capabilities of the iPad. Taking advantage of the iPad platform, Apple’s developers have enabled Live Drawing, allowing Final Cut Pro for iPad users to use the Apple Pencil to highlight and add text to videos. The iPad’s touch interface also allows for selecting subjects and completing other common tasks, such as making precise adjustments and locating specific measurements using the app’s jog wheel.

Multicamera editing, with support for angle editing (picture b), which enables synchronization and adjusting audio, among other features and a high-quality HDR-compatible workflow, Final Cut Pro for iPad is ready for the demanding rigors often associated with video production. Add to that the fact that the app can be used with compatible keyboards, including the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio that typically pair with the M1- and M2-powered iPads, and you have a solution for many businesses. There’s a new and exciting use for the iPad.

picture b

One feature that more experienced video-editing pros will appreciate is Fast Cut. The technology relies on Apple’s silicon chips and machine-learning innovations to improve video production workflows.

Three other Final Cut Pro for iPad features you’ll find useful as well:

• Using the visual removal mask Conveniently, you can isolate specific subjects within a video clip and remove the element with a quick tap. No green screen or rotoscoping (the manual process of tracing video subjects to enable the removal or addition of specific elements) is required.
• compelling auto crop This feature automatically adjusts the screen and aspect ratio for multiple uses.
• voice isolation Helps overcome common video production headaches such as background noise and audio clarity.

Several other advanced features are packed into the video-editing software’s iPad app. From support for the visually high-quality ProRes lossless compression format to multiple manual override settings, the iPad program is ready for professional use.

The iPad app also includes several built-in music tracks, titles, transitions, and special effects. These elements, when implemented properly, work together to help improve the video and encourage the creation of more professional videos.

While third-party content integration is not yet available for Final Cut Pro for iPad, Apple indicated that the ability to add content from competing products is coming soon. Such plugins are a critical component for many video makers, so expect Apple to move quickly to enable third-party content integration.

For starters, the Final Cut iteration of the iPad also supports importing iMovies. After that, iOS projects can be imported to the iPad and edited using the many great capabilities of the iPad version.

How does Final Cut Pro for iPad compare to the Mac version?

Key differences between the Final Cut Pro version for iPad and the Mac version exist in both color management and workflow. For example, you cannot edit files that are on an external drive. With the iPad platform, you can only edit videos stored locally on the tablet. This means that the relevant workflow requires the files to be kept in the cloud or on a specific server, otherwise file sharing will not work properly. Importing files is also a bit different. To import into a Final Cut project you have to open individual folders and manually select individual videos using the iPad version, rather than importing folders in bulk.

Users who manage color using popular digital video camera shooting profiles will find many options supported for many common brands. Known as Lookup Tables (LUTs), Final Cut Pro for iPad includes LUT profile support for a number of ARRI, Blackmagic, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic and Sony equipment. Custom LUTs are not yet supported by the iPad Final Cut Pro app.

The iPad also cannot import or export Timeline files formatted using Recurrence XML. For now, Final Cut Pro for iPad only allows transfer of Final Cut Pro libraries from iPad to Mac using AirDrop or iCloud Drive. Going the other way is a bit more difficult. You can’t yet easily transfer Final Cut Pro projects running on a Mac to your iPad via AirDrop or iCloud. Next, be sure to plan what app you’ll be using based on that current limitation, or start the project using an iPad if you plan on using the Mac version at any point in production.