Apple launches Final Cut Pro 11 and updates its suite of creative applications.
The new update includes the automatic masking feature, automatically generated subtitles, and spatial video editing.
After more than ten years since the launch of Final Cut Pro X, Apple's video editing software is moving into a new phase. The application is being updated to Final Cut Pro 11, after a period during which it omitted the number from its name. This update includes new AI-driven masking tools, the ability to generate subtitles directly on the timeline, features for spatial video editing, and workflow improvements. Current users can access this new version for free, while new users will need to make a one-time purchase of $299. There are also updates for Final Cut Pro on iPad and Final Cut Camera.
After a week of testing the new features, it can be said that many of them represent significant improvements. One of the standout features is the new Magnetic Mask system on desktop. With a single click, it is possible to isolate a subject, such as a person, from the background and apply specific color adjustments to that part of the footage. This functionality was tested in various scenarios, from static videos to quick snowboarding shots, and in all cases, Final Cut Pro successfully isolated the subjects, though not always perfectly, as minor adjustments were required in some cases. Users can make these corrections manually using a brush, or add and remove tracking points for Final Cut Pro to analyze the video. Notably, the software automatically detected the straps of a moving backpack.
The speed of the process is remarkable. Although short clips of approximately 45 seconds were used, each masking took less than a minute on a four-year-old MacBook Pro M1 Pro with a 10-core chip. This represents a significant time reduction compared to the demanding task of manually masking in After Effects. However, it was observed that analysis slowed down significantly when recording the screen during the process, and this functionality is also supported on Intel-based Macs.
Another new feature is the ability to automatically generate subtitles on the timeline using a language model trained by Apple. This process is carried out locally on the device, without sending information to the cloud. Although it is fast, the accuracy is not always adequate, with numerous spelling errors, including proper names and common terms. This limiting factor means that if one wants to stylize subtitles for social media platforms like TikTok, third-party plugins will be necessary.
There are other changes in this version, such as the ability to edit spatial videos for Vision Pro and new keyboard shortcuts, highlighting the key combination for moving clips between layers.
Final Cut Pro for iPad also receives enhancements. The light and color enhancement tool, initially launched for Mac, is now available in the iPad app. In the tests conducted, this tool showed good performance in initiating the color grading process, effectively improving exposure and offering subtle stylistic options. Apple also expands the number of available presets, along with new modular transitions and songs in the sound library.
Furthermore, if the Apple Pencil Pro is used for editing, new brushes can now be unlocked, and features like tilt recognition and haptic feedback are available, enhancing the tactile feel of the editing process.
In terms of minor but significant workflow improvements, it is now possible to adjust the height of clips on the timeline with a pinch gesture, edit in 120 fps timelines, and enjoy a more dynamic picture-in-picture mode. Although new keyboard shortcuts have been announced, only one has been discovered so far.
While these updates are appreciated in the iPad version, more advanced features are still needed to justify the monthly subscription of $4.99. In particular, the customization of LUTs, better file management, and AI features that are already available in the desktop version are highly anticipated. Since the initial review, DaVinci Resolve has begun to be used on the iPad, which continues to impress with its similarity to its desktop counterpart.
Finally, the Final Cut Camera update allows for recording HEVC files in Apple Log, eliminating the need to use space-consuming ProRes files. This recording will also include LUT previews during filming, enabling users to monitor exposure and color.
The introduction of new AI-driven features and workflow improvements marks a significant advancement for content creators, although it does not address all community requests to compete directly with DaVinci and Adobe. It will be interesting to see if these new advancements attract new users, given that Magnetic Mask could be a compelling reason to consider a switch.
