Project Initialization & Sequence Settings
When you launch FilmCraft, click New Project (Ctrl+Alt+N / Cmd+Option+N). Set your project directory on an internal SSD to ensure maximum scratch buffer throughput.
Recommended Sequence Presets:
- YouTube Landscape: 1920x1080 or 3840x2160, 24.00 or 60.00 fps, Square Pixels (1.0), Rec.709.
- TikTok / Reels Vertical: 1080x1920 (9:16), 30.00 or 60.00 fps, Rec.709.
Importing Media & Smart Bin Organization
Import your video clips, audio tracks, and graphic overlays by double-clicking inside the Project Panel (Cmd+I / Ctrl+I). FilmCraft supports native ProRes, MP4, MKV, AV1, and B-RAW footage without mandatory transcoding.
01_Footage, 02_Audio, and 03_Graphics. FilmCraft automatically scans folder structures and retains your directory hierarchies.
Timeline Cutting with 3-Point Precision
Double-click a raw clip in your bin to preview it in the Source Monitor. Use high-speed J-K-L shuttle navigation to find your entry point:
- Press I to set your In Point.
- Press O to set your Out Point.
- Press , (comma) to Insert onto the timeline, pushing subsequent clips forward.
- Press . (period) to Overwrite directly at playhead position.
Switch between the Razor Tool (C), Selection Tool (V), and Ripple Edit Tool (B) to trim heads and tails without leaving empty timeline gaps.
Audio Balancing & Volume Normalization
Select an audio clip and press G to open the Audio Gain inspector. Select "Normalize All Peaks to -3 dB" for dialogue clarity. For background music beds, lower the clip gain to -18 dB to prevent speech masking.
Color Look & Exporting Master MP4
Switch to the Color Workspace in the top header. In the Lumetri-style panel, adjust Exposure (+0.2), Contrast (+15), and drop a cinematic 3D LUT via the Creative tab. When finished, press Ctrl+M / Cmd+M to launch the Export dialog. Choose YouTube 1080p / 4K preset and click Export.