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How to Learn Final Cut Pro for Free

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Final Cut Pro is a non-linear, non-destructive video editing software for any QuickTime-compatible video format including DV, HDV, P2 MXF (DVCProHD), XDCAM (via plug-in), 2K, 4K and 5K film formats, Final Cut is developed by Apple.

Final Cut Pro comes pre-loaded with a range of video transitions and a range of video and audio filters such as keying tools, mattes and vocal de-poppers and de-essers, it also has a manual 3-way color correction filter, videoscopes and a selection of generators. Final Cut Pro supports a number of simultaneously composited video tracks, unlimited audio tracks, multi-camera editing for combining video from multiple camera sources, as well as standard ripple, roll, slip, slide, scrub, razor blade and time remapping edit functions.

According to Wikipedia; a 2007 SCRI study found that Final Cut Pro made up 49% of the United States professional editing market, with Avid at 22%. A published survey in 2008 by the American Cinema Editors Guild placed their users at 21% Final Cut Pro (and growing from previous surveys of this group), while all others were still on an Avid system.

The aim of this post is to present and compare between the best free online sources that beginners can rely on to learn Final Cut Pro, the sources stated here are full-structured courses that beginners can follow along so you won’t find a link to a single article or a reply in a forum post.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn Final Cut Pro) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Getting Started with Final Cut Pro from Scratch

Izzy Video

Izzy Video is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learning Final Cut Pro through video tutorials, beginners don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 26 video tutorials each video tutorial covers a certain topic in Final Cut Pro.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the video lesson you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to a new page where the video lesson resides.

1 - Izzy Video Final Cut Pro TrainingNow, the pros and cons:

Pros

  1. Free.
  2. The training is well-organized and structured for beginners.
  3. The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized within order to start learning Final Cut Pro.

Cons

  1. The training doesn’t cover advanced topics in Final Cut Pro though that won’t be a problem for beginners.

Verdict: This is an excellent free online outlet where beginners can start learning Final Cut Pro through video tutorial.

Apple Website

Apple Website is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning Final Cut Pro through video tutorials, beginners don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 5 video lessons, each video lesson covers a certain topic in Final Cut Pro, the training is more of an overview about the software.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the lesson you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to a new page where the video lesson resides.

2 - Apple Website Final Cut Pro TrainingNow, the pros and cons:

Pros

  1. Free.
  2. The training is well-organized for beginners.

Cons

  1. The training only covers the very basics of Final Cut Pro.

Verdict: This is more of an overview about Final Cut Pro and it’s more suitable for those who are using another software (e.g. Avid,  etc.) and want to have an overview about Final Cut Pro.

fcp.co

fcp.co is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning Final Cut Pro through video tutorials, beginners don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 6 video lessons, each video lesson covers a certain topic in Final Cut Pro, the training is more of an overview about the software similar to the training on Apple’s website.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the lesson you’re interested in and the video will start right away.

3 - fcp.co Final Cut TrainingNow, the pros and cons:

Pros

  1. Free.

Cons

  1. The training only covers the very basics of Final Cut Pro, similar to the training on Apple’s website.

Verdict: Similar to the above outlet, this is more of an overview about Final Cut Pro and it’s more suitable for those who are using another software (e.g. Avid, etc.) and want to have an overview about Final Cut Pro.

Final Cut Pro Classes

Final Cut Pro Classes is the fourth free online outlet where beginners can start learning Final Cut Pro through video tutorials, beginners don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 21 video lessons, each video lesson covers certain topics in Final Cut Pro.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the lesson you’re interested in and the video will appear in this cascade menu, click on it and it’ll start right away.

4 - Final Cut Pro Classes TrainingNow, the pros and cons:

Pros

  1. Free.

Cons

  1. The training isn’t well-organized for beginners.

Verdict: This is a good free online outlet where beginners can start learning Final Cut Pro through video tutorial, though it’s worth noting that the training isn’t well-organized for beginners.

Final Cut Pro X Tutorials YouTube Channel

Final Cut Pro X Tutorials YouTube Channel is the fifth free online outlet where beginners can start learning Final Cut Pro through video tutorial.

Structure: The training is divided into 81 video lessons, each lesson covers a certain topic in Final Cut Pro.

Interface: The standard YouTube interface.

5 - Final Cut Pro X Tutorials YouTube ChannelNow, the pros and cons:

Pros

  1. Free.
  2. A large number of tutorials that cover the various aspects of Final Cut Pro.

Cons

  1. The training isn’t well-structured for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is a good free online outlet where beginners can start learning Final Cut Pro through video tutorial.

Alex Gollner YouTube Channel

Alex Gollner YouTube Channel is the sixth free online outlet where beginners can start learning Final Cut Pro through video tutorials. It’s recommended for beginners to start from Episode 129 (the one marked in the screenshot below).

Structure: The training is divided into 119 video lessons, each lesson covers a certain topic in Final Cut Pro.

Interface: The standard YouTube interface.

6 - Alex Gollner YouTube Channel Final Cut Pro TrainingNow, the pros and cons:

Pros

  1. Free.
  2. A large number of tutorials that cover the various aspects of Final Cut Pro.
  3. The training is well-structured for beginners.

Cons

  1. The training isn’t well-organized.

Verdict: This is an excellent free online outlet where beginners can start learning Final Cut Pro through video tutorial.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning Final Cut Pro:

  1. Izzy Video and Alex Gollner YouTube Channel are the best outlets for beginners to start learning Final Cut Pro through video tutorials.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in learning Final Cut Pro.