Final Cut Pro X and Proxy editing files

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Edit HD video is not limited to the last Mac with powerful processors and lots of RAM. Do it on older computers is possible. We just need to know how to harness its power and how to work more optimally. 

Any starting with video editing should know what video formats are the best to work with the selected application. In OS X, despite the criticism, one of the best options is Final Cut Pro X. The Apple's professional video editor allows us to make all kinds of issues and its price makes it one of the most attractive solutions.

When FCPX was presented watched how the number of video formats expanded. It was possible to edit AVCHD files imported from different cameras without resorting to converters. Of course is still more advisable to transcode ProRes since editing is more efficient. The "only" problem of working in ProRes is that the file size increases. A video 200MB happens to occupy 1GB approximately.


There are computers that can not handle this task, to solve it we have the option to edit using proxy files. A proxy file is a copy of our original material that the system creates and you will have a lower resolution than the original. Exactly 1/4 of the clip resolution. This helps the computer manage a lighter gross, so editing is facilitated file.

One example. Edit 4K on a MacBook Air is an impossible task. If we work with proxy files will conduct an issue with 1080p files, something the Mac can move with greater ease. Then once finished editing, when export is done using the files at full resolution. The proxy only serve as a reference and to facilitate editing. 

Editing in mobility

As you see, make use of the Proxy editing in FCPX not only allow us to do with our less powerful computers or even as a way to stretch the life of our Mac. Also provides us the ability to edit in mobility. That is, we can work on our Mac Pro or iMac with the original files and high resolution, but if we need to start while we are traveling, or want to continue at home on laptop we can too.

So we go to use the Proxy Edition. According to MacBreak explained how the idea is to create a library in FCPX where the original files are referenced and it just kept proxy material. Thus, we can take our laptop to the library, make any necessary edits and then copy back to our main Mac project. But I leave you with the video where the workflow you will see more clearly.