Viewer Basics

Loading Clips in the Viewer:

FIRST: Open clip in the Viewer one of three ways:

1.  Double Click on the clip in the Browser

2. Drag the clip from the Browser to the Viewer

3. Select the clip in the Browser and select Return

SECOND:  Adjust the Viewer window to a size that is comfortable for you

1. To save this Custom Arrangement go to Window > Arrange > Set Custom Layout 1 OR

2. Shift + 'U' (Option + 'U' to set Custom Layout 2)

Viewer (and Canvas) Icons:  

Sprockets indicate the beginning and ending of a clip's media

L in the Lower-left corner indicates beginning of a clip

Reverse L in the lower right corner indicated the end of an edited clip

Purple bar at the right of a clip indicates the end of the media in the timeline

Playing Clips in the Viewer:

THIRD:  Play the clip

1. Click the play button in the Viewer Window

2. Click the Space Bar

3. Click 'L'

Play Around: 

1.  Hit Backslash (\)  to go 5 seconds back from the Playhead to 2 seconds after - can adjust length in FInal Cut Pro > User Preferences > Editing > Preview Per and Post Roll

2. Shift + \  =  play In to Out Markers

Click on the Audio clip and see what shows in the Viewer.  How can this be helpful to an editor?