How to Convert and Import MP4 to Final Cut Pro (Express)

Step by Step Guide on How to Convert MP4 to DV to Import MP4 into FCP/FCE (Lion and OS X Mavericks Included)

August 14th, 2013 Updated by Bigasoft Support

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Overview

With all the advancements in Final Cut Pro X and Final Cut Pro 7, there are now even more reasons why it's the first choice of professional editors. Powerful new features and time-saving improvements help you work faster than ever. However, a fly in the ointment is that it can not import most of MP4 files though it is compatible with various camera-native formats as well as members of the Apple ProRes family.

As we know, Final Cut Pro is a non-linear and non-destructive editing software application, it can only import non-destructive video format including DV, HDV, P2 MXF (DVCProHD), XDCAM, and 2K film formats. Nevertheless, the widely used MP4 is lossy format, which is a final delivery file type and is heavily compressed. In order to successfully import MP4 to Final Cut Pro, we have to convert the lossy MP4 to non-destructive format like DV which is compatible with FCP.

Detailed Guide on How to Convert and Import MP4 to FCP/FCE

It is dead easy to import MP4 into Final Cut Pro for editing with the following guide.
It applies to MP4 recorded from various camcorders like Samsung HMX-H100 camcorder, Sanyo XACTO HD1000 Full HD camera, Flip camcorder, JVC GY-HM100, JVC GY-HM700 and more.
It applies to MP4 from media players, mobile phones, portable devices and YouTube etc.
It also applies to import MP4 to Final Cut Express and iMovie.
It applies to import MP4 to Final Cut Pro X or import MP4 to Final Cut Pro 7 or import MP4 to any other version of Final Cut Pro.
Compatible with Mac OS X v10.4 (Tiger), 10.5(Leopard), 10.6(Snow Leopard), 10.7(Lion), 10.8(Mountain Lion), 10.9 (Mavericks).

Step 1 Run Bigasoft Total Video Converter

Free download Bigasoft Total Video Converter ( Mac Version , Windows Version ), and run it.

As the professional MP4 to DV converter, Bigasoft Total Video Converter can easily convert MP4 to FCP compatible DV format. Besides, it can convert between various video formats including MP4, DV, AVI, H.264, 3GP, MKV, MOV, WMV, MPG, AVCHD, Xvid, DivX, RM, FLV, VOB, WebM, VP8, ASF, TOD, MOD, BIK videos and more. Moreover, it can convert various audio and video formats to FCP supported AIFF audio format or convert AIFF to other audio formats including MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, OGG, FLAC, APE, M4A, RA, AC3, MP2, and AMR and so on.

Step 2 Add MP4 file

Click "Add File" button to add your MP4 file. Or you can also drag your MP4 file directly to the main interface of Bigasoft Total Video Converter.

Step by Step Guide How to Convert MP4 to DV and Import MP4 to Final Cut Pro

Step 3 Set DV as output profile

Click the drop-down list on the right side of the "Profile" to select FCP compatible DV - Digital Video Format (*.dv) from "General Video" category.