Paste Insert is a Handy Option

When I am working on multiple sequences at the same time–usually preparing different versions of the same basic material, I find that I frequently use copy and paste to move a clip or set of clips from one timeline to another. Another copying scenario might arise when you are adding an overlay or graphic “bug” across an entire timeline on it’s own track.

What’s nice is that when you copy and paste clips, all the attributes of the copied file go with the newly pasted file, so if you’ve re-sized, color-corrected, added filters and what-not, you won’t have to do it all over again. Copying and pasting clips in FCP is very handy indeed.

And of course all FCP editors and Mac users are well aware of the CMD C (copy), CMD V (paste) and CMD X (cut, but retain in clipboard) commands (and no, I won’t be giving them additional mention on this blog other than here), but did you know that in FCP you have an additional powerful variation called “paste insert” (SHIFT V)?

This is particularly handy if, say, you have created an opening sequence in one timeline and want to add it into another timeline at the head. Just copy the clips then hit SHIFT V to paste insert them wherever you want–it will paste ‘em in starting at the playhead position and you should also be aware that it will by default paste on the same track that the originals were copied from (unless you use our old pal “Toggle Auto select” to manage this). The result will be a ripple edit that moves everything down to the right to accomodate your paste-in.

There are a couple more variations on the paste command and we will cover them over the next two days, so stay tuned, but for now, just burn SHIFT V into your brain and you might be surprised how often you use it–I use it all the time, myself.