Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro keyboard shortcuts.

Play, cut, trim and organise faster in Final Cut. macOS-only, with the classic J-K-L editing core.

Playback & timeline
Play / pauseSpace
Play reverseJ
StopK
Play forwardL
Previous frame
Next frame
Previous edit
Next edit
Zoom to fit+Z
Editing
Connect clipQ
InsertW
Append to timelineE
OverwriteD
Blade at playhead+B
Delete (ripple)
Delete & leave gap+
Undo+Z
Toggle snappingN
Tools
Select toolA
Trim toolT
Position toolP
Blade toolB
Range selectionR
Zoom toolZ
Hand toolH
Marking & organizing
Set range start (in)I
Set range end (out)O
Add markerM
Open Keyword Editor+K
Mark as favoriteF
Detach audio++S
New compound clip+G
Final Cut Pro is macOS-only. The J-K-L keys are the editor's playback core — reverse, stop, forward — and single letters pick tools (A select, B blade, T trim). Press and hold J or L repeatedly to play faster.

J-K-L is the heart of editing

Every video editor learns J, K and L first: J plays in reverse, K stops, L plays forward, and tapping J or L again speeds up playback. With your other hand on I and O to set the in and out points of a range, you can scrub footage and mark selections without ever reaching for the mouse. This three-finger rhythm is what makes experienced Final Cut editors look so quick.

Building the timeline

Final Cut's edit commands are single letters too. W inserts a clip, E appends it to the end of the timeline, D overwrites, and Q connects a clip above the primary storyline. ⌘ + B blades the clip at the playhead, and the tool keys (A select, B blade, T trim) switch how you interact with the timeline. Toggle N for snapping when you want clips to click into place. The same playback keys carry over to Premiere Pro if you switch editors.

FAQ

What do J, K and L do in Final Cut Pro?
J plays in reverse, K stops, and L plays forward. Pressing J or L more than once increases the playback speed — it's the standard scrubbing technique for editors.
How do I cut a clip in Final Cut Pro?
Position the playhead and press ⌘ + B to blade the clip at that point, or switch to the Blade tool with B and click where you want the cut.

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