Although Adobe and Apple are competitors in the non-linear editing market, Adobe Photoshop files can easily be imported, edited into an Apple Final Cut Pro X project, and round-tripped between applications. Here’s how to create that ‘dynamic link’ between Photoshop and Final Cut that will enable changes to graphic files to automatically update in FCPX.

First, here are some tips for creating and working with layered graphics files in FCPX:

1. When creating your Photoshop file, make sure to use image dimensions that match the frame size of your FCPX project sequence. If you are working with a Full HD project at 1920×1080 pixels, size your psd file using the Film & Video preset for HDTV 1080p at a resolution of 72 pixels/inch. Use RBG Color Mode, 8 bit. Layered graphics files created in 16-bit color mode will import flattened and graphics files created in 32-bit color mode will not import.
2. In FCPX, go to Final Cut Pro > Preferences > Import > Files and make sure Copy to Library Storage Location is checked on. Close the Preferences window. Import your layered Photoshop file into your FCPX project by dragging and dropping it directly onto a selected event. Edit the file into your timeline.
3. To toggle on or off visibility for individual layers, select the layered graphics file in your project, right-click, and choose Open in Timeline. The layered graphics file will open in a separate timeline, displaying the individual layers. Select any single layer or multiple layers and hit the letter ‘V’ to enable or disable visibility.
4. By default, layered graphics files are edited into a project at a duration of one minute. To shorten a layered graphics file, use the Selection tool (A) to trim either the In or Out point. To lengthen a layered graphics file, right-click and choose Open in Timeline. Select All (CMD-A), right-click and choose Change Duration. Type in the desired timecode duration – example, 20000, for two minutes. Press Enter. The layered graphics file will lengthen to reflect your change. Click the Left Timeline History arrow to go back to your project, and adjust your Out point to your desired length.

To edit a Photoshop file and have those changes automatically updated in Final Cut, do the following:

1. Right-click on the Photoshop file in the Timeline and choose Reveal in Browser.
2. In the Event Browser, right-click on the highlighted file and choose Reveal in Finder.
3. Open this file in Photoshop. Select the layer you want to edit, right-click and choose Convert to Smart Object.
4. Double-click that object to open it in its own tab, make the changes you desire, and save that file.
5. Click back on your original file and save.
6. Tab over to Final Cut and note that your Photoshop file has automatically updated in the Timeline.

By using Smart Objects, you can create that dynamic link between Photoshop and Final Cut and automatically update your graphics files that are edited into your timeline.

Shown below is an example of an opening teaser, using Photoshop files edited and animated into Final Cut Pro. This video was produced for the edX course entitled: Psychology of Political Activism: Women Changing the World.

Written and Produced by Kate Lee
Senior Media Producer, Smith College