Changes to image file don't update in FCP X????

So I was reading a Larry Jordon news letter that said he had a problem with changes made to a PSD file don't automatically update in FCP X.

I actually found this hard to believe since that is something so basic and had always worked in version 7.

Lo and behold I did a little test, and the Photoshop file that I was editing did not update in FCP X. WHHAAAATTTT?

There is a work around but it's cumbersome at best, and having to re-import the updated file is certainly a pain.

This is something that I use often in version 7, I hope that this is fixed.

Jonathan

Actually, if you choose NOT to optimize on import of a PSD file, the image then does update.

Why would you optimize a PSD file and what does it do to it? Make ie a JPEG?

Hey Tom,

I am not sure what happens to an "Optimized" still image in X. My guess is that it is creating some kind of copy or reference to original somehow but not actually linking to anything. I have been using "External media" option and "leave file in place".

This is good to know since I have not started any projects in X that have a lot of still image imports yet. So I guess all still images need to be imported with the "Create Optimized Media" option unchecked in order for edits to be made in original PS file, and have it update in X.

Jonathan

Just tested, and PSD files are not altered at all when Optimize is checked. They stay a layered PSD file. Optimize won't effect most still format file types. Not even RAW photos get "optimized" to anything. At least not in the tests I just did.

Not even Relink will update the altered original PSD, wow. That used to not be like that. Time for the feedback page.

BenB,

Thanks for that.

So just to re-cap: Importing a layered PSD file with Optimize checked, and editing that file in PS, changes don't update in X.

Importing with Optimize un-checked, edit image in PS, go back to FCP X, edit is reflected in browser and timeline.

So aside from having to remember to not select the optimize option upon import of any still image(s) layered or not, is this still an issue?

This is simply the appropriate behavior IMHO, and is as described in the application manual.
When you have selected Original/Optimized media, FCP X will use optimized media if available; otherwise, use original media. If you created optimized media, that is what FCP X will use. Since you are editing a completely separate file (the original) in a different application, and the optimized version does not change, how could FCP X be reusing it? Should it recreate optimized media without you telling it to?!

So I think that as a general rule, the only items to optimize would just be an actual video import. Graphics and photos always bring in Un-optimzed in the event that you want to re-work original file.

Again, checking Optimize in the import window for PSD, RAW, or other natively supports formats does NOTHING! It will NOT make an optimized copy at all, period.

FCPX will auto-update other formats, just not PSD files.

Managed Media vs External Media is a different subject.

BenB, And I do get what you are saying.

I think I've actually lost my mind here:

I just ran a few tests. I created a tif file and a PSD file imported those in to X using the optimize setting (i know, I know, but hear me out).

With both of those files in the browser and in the timeline, I then went back in PS, added a layer to each of the files and did a fill with color so I could see any change. Saved those files, went back to X, and WTF, the tiff followed the change AND the PSD file as well! And that was with optimized checked! (I know, Iknow).

My next step was to delete files from browser and project, go back to PS, repeated the above steps using a different color fill, did a save-as new name just to make sure nothing was re-linking, whatever.

This time I imported the two new (one PSD, One tiff) files into X and un-checked optimize. Did my fill thing and guess what? The changes were made to both the Tif AND the PSD file!

I swear this was not working when I first started this thread, and apparently Larry Jordon was having some issue.

So with this development, it now looks like both tiff AND PSD files not only import, but changes that I make to a file reflect in X. And that's with optimized or not, but I will still go on the advice to not bother with an optimized image import.

So weird!!! Did Apple update something in the background last night Watch, today I'll go back in and do something and this will all start over. SHHHEEESSSHHH.

Jonathan

I'm trying it again now, my PSD files are still not auto-updating.

This has to be some type of bug.

As I feared, this is not working again, with either optimized or non-optimized.

I am also now getting an error message:

"2 modified original files were found "Photos and video" Event, but 1 could not be re-linked.

Re-linked files must have the same media type and similar audio channels as original files, and must be long enough to cover all the clips that reference the files."

This blows.

Jonathan

One other thing, if I go to re-link the supposed unlinked PSD file I get this:

"The original file wasn't in layered PSD format, but the new file is. Re-linked files must have the same media type and similar audio channels as original files, and must be long enough to cover all the clips that reference the files."

Am I missing something or is this the case?

I import a graphic file: leave file in place.
I use the graphic file 100 times in my timeline
It is changed and resaved over the original
FCPX will not see the updated graphic? And I have to replace it 100 times?

Works for me. You might have to give more specifics about the version you're using and what you're doing to what files and how you're doing it.

FCPX 10.1.2
import a targa file - on screen text it's a "#1" - leave file in place
place clip in project as a connected clip -
The graphic gets changed to "#2"
in the project it is still "#1"

The only way I can get the updated graphic to show correctly in all places: browser window, thumbnails on clips, viewer: is to close out FCPX; open library (show package contents) and in the event folder delete the render folder. restart FCPX and everything is updated.

I tried <file> <delete generated event files> but that does not seem to up date the tumbnails in the timeline.
weird.

Maybe because it's a Targa file. I haven't used that in years, maybe more than 10 years.

well no difference same result: when the graphic gets updated ( I can see in the finder that the graphic has been changed) FCPX still shows the graphic in it's older version.

The only way I can see all instances of the graphic as updated is quit/delete <render files> and restart
not the most efficient workflow

Maybe if you switched off background rendering so files didn't render in a project it might help. Most people switch it off.