How to use Shade with Final Cut Pro

How to use ShadeFS with Final Cut Pro

ShadeFS makes it easy to store Final Cut Pro Libraries and media files in a shared cloud storage drive that can be accessed from anywhere. Whether you're editing documentaries, social media content, YouTube videos, or episodic series, ShadeFS enables seamless remote collaboration without complicated file management processes.

This guide will walk you through the optimal setup for Final Cut Pro (FCP) on ShadeFS to ensure the best performance and workflow efficiency.

1. Setting Up Your Final Cut Pro Library on ShadeFS

To get started, you need to organize your ShadeFS mount for Final Cut Pro properly.

Step 1: Create Your Folder Structure

For an efficient workflow, set up the following folder structure inside your ShadeFS mount:

• /FCP Projects/ – Store your Final Cut Pro libraries here

• /FCP Archives/ – Store completed projects for future reference

• /FCP Exports/ – Store your exported files here

Having a clear folder structure will help keep your projects organized and easy to locate.

Step 2: Create a New Final Cut Pro Library

1. Open Final Cut Pro

2. Go to File > New > Library

3. Save the library inside the /FCP Projects/ folder on your mounted ShadeFS drive

2. Optimizing Final Cut Pro Preferences for ShadeFS

To ensure the best performance when working with cloud-based storage, adjust your Final Cut Pro settings as follows:

Step 1: Configure Media Import Settings

1. Go to Final Cut Pro > Preferences > Import

2. Select: "Copy to library storage location"

3. Check "Create optimized media" for smoother playback

This ensures all media is stored within the library bundle, avoiding symlinks that ShadeFS doesn't currently support.

Step 2: Configure Library Settings

1. In Final Cut Pro, select your library in the Libraries sidebar

2. Go to File > Library Properties (or press Command-J)

3. In the Library Properties window, click on "Modify Settings..."

4. For "Media", ensure the "Inside library bundle" option is selected

5. For "Motion Content", ensure the "Inside library bundle" option is selected

6. For "Cache", ensure the "Inside library bundle" option is selected

Storing everything inside the library bundle ensures compatibility with ShadeFS and eliminates dependency on symlinks.

3. Importing and Organizing Media

Now that your library and settings are optimized, you can import media into your Final Cut Pro library.

Step 1: Import Footage to Your Library

1. Open the Import window in Final Cut Pro (Command-I)

2. Navigate to the location of your media

3. Select your video clips, audio files, and graphics

4. Click Import

5. Ensure that "Copy to library" is selected in the import options

Since you've configured FCP to copy files to the library, all media will be stored within the library bundle on ShadeFS, eliminating symlinks and ensuring compatibility.

Step 2: Organize Your Media in Final Cut Pro

To keep your project organized:

• Use Events to categorize media (e.g., Interviews, B-Roll, Graphics)

• Use Keywords to tag clips for easier searching

• Create Smart Collections to automatically group clips based on criteria

• Use Shade's AI search to easily find clips across your libraries

4. Optimizing Performance for Cloud-Based Editing

ShadeFS allows you to edit directly from the cloud, but optimizing playback performance is essential for smooth editing.

Step 1: Use Proxy Media for Smoother Editing

For large projects or slower internet connections, use Final Cut Pro's Proxy Workflow:

1. Select your clips in the browser

2. Go to File > Transcode Media

3. Select "Create Proxy Media" using ProRes Proxy or H.264

4. Ensure proxies are created inside the library bundle

5. Toggle between proxy and full-resolution media as needed in the View menu

Alternatively, ShadeFS provides edit-ready 1080p proxies for media already uploaded:

1. Right-click any folder in Shade and select "Download Proxies"

2. Attach the proxies to the original files in Final Cut Pro for faster editing

Step 2: Use Optimized Media for High-Resolution Footage

If you're working with 4K or RAW footage, transcoding to Optimized Media (ProRes 422) can improve playback performance:

1. Select your clips in the browser

2. Go to File > Transcode Media > Create Optimized Media

3. Ensure optimized media is stored inside the library bundle

5. Exporting & Delivering Projects

Once your edit is complete, you can export directly to the mounted drive for collaboration, client review, or final delivery.

Step 1: Export a Master File

1. Go to File > Share > Master File

2. Select "Save to" and choose the /FCP Exports/ folder inside ShadeFS

3. Choose ProRes 422 for high-quality exports or H.264 for web-ready files

Step 2: Share with Collaborators

If you need to share an exported video with collaborators or clients:

1. Use Shade's built-in file-sharing to generate a secure link

2. Share directly via email through the Shade interface

3. Store review files in a dedicated folder such as /FCP Exports/ClientReview/

Step 3: Archiving Projects

When the project is complete:

1. Save a copy of the Final Cut Pro library inside /FCP Archives/ in the ShadeFS drive

2. Consider using Final Cut Pro's "Delete Generated Library Files" option to remove render files and other temporary files before archiving

Final Thoughts

Using ShadeFS with Final Cut Pro allows you to edit high-resolution footage remotely with team members across locations.

Important Note: Always keep your media inside the library bundle when working with ShadeFS to avoid symlink issues. This ensures your project remains fully compatible with the cloud storage system and accessible from any location.