Photoshop Tip

I didn't know this worked this way. Hope it helps some of you.

In Photoshop I would make a master layered file, often with layer styles and then make a flattened version for use in FCP X so that it would recognize the layer style, transparency etc. I found that this isn't necessary.

Create a document, lay out your text, add the layer styles and then (the key step) make the text layer a Smart Object. FCP X will see the document as a layered Photoshop document and will recognize all layer styles including drop shadow. If you want to change the text simply open the layered PSD document in Photoshop and right click on the text layer. Choose "edit contents".

As with any layered Photoshop document you can't add layers without saving under a different name and importing the new file. However, as long as the number of layers remains the same the document will update properly in FCP X.

PS - when you "edit contents" a new canvas will open as a .psb file. It will be cropped to the size of the existing text. If you want to add more text you can change the canvas size. I usually just change it to 1920 X 1080 for 1080 HD. Otherwise it won't let you save the edited layer.

anickt wrote: I didn't know this worked this way. Hope it helps some of you.

In Photoshop I would make a master layered file, often with layer styles and then make a flattened version for use in FCP X so that it would recognize the layer style, transparency etc. I found that this isn't necessary.

Create a document, lay out your text, add the layer styles and then (the key step) make the text layer a Smart Object. FCP X will see the document as a layered Photoshop document and will recognize all layer styles including drop shadow. If you want to change the text simply open the layered PSD document in Photoshop and right click on the text layer. Choose "edit contents".

As with any layered Photoshop document you can't add layers without saving under a different name and importing the new file. However, as long as the number of layers remains the same the document will update properly in FCP X.

PS - when you "edit contents" a new canvas will open as a .psb file. It will be cropped to the size of the existing text. If you want to add more text you can change the canvas size. I usually just change it to 1920 X 1080 for 1080 HD. Otherwise it won't let you save the edited layer.

Thanks for your tips.
I will try it today.

It's even easier since the introduction of PhotoShop 5
Just save as Layered TIFF.

-Andreas

Or use Pixelmator... :evil:

Pixelmator's not that great for text, is it Ben?

Regardless of my tip above, I still find myself flattening PSD files. LOL! Old habits die hard.

I also am trying to do more with text in FCP X and Motion.

anickt wrote: I still find myself flattening PSD files. LOL! Old habits die hard.

There is no need to flatten the files. Layered TIFFs behave like PSD files but don't show up as layered PSD files in any NLE or authoring app but just as pictures. Edit the TIFF in PS with all layers, effects etc kept and save. They will update in FCPX or whatever app.

anickt wrote: I also am trying to do more with text in FCP X and Motion.

Thats a good idea.

-Andreas

Andreas - I may be crazy :woohoo: but I seem to remember tiff files not working for me for some strange reason.

I just tried out a few things and they are working exactly as you say. I'll just blame it on FCP X! LOL

There was an NLE that I worked on that required PICT with alpha - I guess those days are gone!

I'm a complete graphics clueless idiot, but even so I'm having success putting simple diagrams and graphics together in Pixelmator, exporting as a .psd and importing it into FCPX. I can then animate the layers in a basic way. Brilliant!

It would be even cooler if I could do this directly in sync with the timeline - is there a way to do that? As it is I can't see the .psd layers until I double click on it, and then I'm working in the dark, trial and error, to sync with the timeline.

anickt wrote: Pixelmator's not that great for text, is it Ben?

Why not? Works great for me. Why would it not be great for text?

I had tried a previous version and didn't see much to like. I just tried a demo of the current version and it's much improved from the last time I looked at it.