How do I incorporate both full 4:3 and 16:9 sections in my timeline?

I am aware this is probably covered elsewhere but as yet I have not tracked down a solution which specifically addresses what *I* want to achieve.

Essentially I want to achieve a final video in which the use of FULL 4.3 frame is in use BUT with sections which make use of FULL 16:9 frame. I am creating a documentary in which all of my footage is VHS sourced 4:3. Given that all modern TV and computer screens have essentially a 16:9 shape and perpetual black columns either side of a standard 4:3 image, I wish to make the documentary more interesting by having some sections widen out with some dynamic split screen visuals, heck I’d even like to divide the full 16:9 image into 4 and have a big “Brady Bunch Show” style section.

Principally I want to do what Christoper Nolan has done a few times – use one standard aspect ratio which occasionally opens up for special sections (see ‘Interstellar’ which was mainly a standard cinemascope image which occasionally opened up to full Imax dimensions.

Now, I expected this would be simple but evidently not or I would have found the solution by now.
It seems that as soon as the first video clip is located and referred to in your FCPX project (or event or whatever the hell nifty word it uses – seriously, libraries, events etc all drive me nuts) – that project / event is set to the aspect ratio of that video. So for me, all of my footage is in 4:3 – with some variance in terms of whether it is PAL or NTSC. So I figured, ok, perhaps to create a nice 16:9 section, i’ll import a 16:9 aspect ratio clip of... anything... and bring that into my time line, grey it out and voila, I have a nice 16:9 canvas for that section. Then when I tried to create a nice 16:9 split screen section, all that happened – and the same when I tried to use that 16:9 clip and leave it visible – all that happened was that the 4:3 aspect ratio is maintained through that section, but my 16:9 work is reduced to a letterboxed section in the middle of the 4:3 image!

This is all too simple a thing for the solution to be difficult, and it’s probably something obvious – but I’d really appreciate it if anyone can please give me an idiot-proof method of achieving the result I am after. Mostly 4:3 – some sections 16:9 – simple.
Thanks for reading.

when creating a new project, set it's aspect ratio manually to 16:9, that simple.

when applying a 4:3 to a 16:9 project, in the Inspector, 'Spatial Confom' select 'fit' - which zooms-in to fit width; you manually transform the Y-position, if wanted

for 'Brady Bunching' use, again, the Transform tool and/or Inspector (I personally find numeric input '50%' easier)

All these transformations, zoom, positioning, crop offer keyframes - so, you can even animate this stuff.

.. no rocket science...

Thanks. I will try this -

The big question is - having foolishly already put many, many, maaannnnyyyy hours of work into the existing timeline for the existing 4:3 project - is there any way of moving everything into my current timeline over into a new 16:9 project?

I am desperately hoping I do not have to start over again!

Karsten Schlüter wrote: when creating a new project, set it's aspect ratio manually to 16:9, that simple.

when applying a 4:3 to a 16:9 project, in the Inspector, 'Spatial Confom' select 'fit' - which zooms-in to fit width; you manually transform the Y-position, if wanted

for 'Brady Bunching' use, again, the Transform tool and/or Inspector (I personally find numeric input '50%' easier)

All these transformations, zoom, positioning, crop offer keyframes - so, you can even animate this stuff.

.. no rocket science...

Create a new Project, use manual settings, make it anamorphic (16:9).
Go to the original Project, Cmd-A to "select all".
Go to the new Project, Cmd-V to "paste".
Adjust as needed.

OR, even easier:
Select original Project in the Browser.
Cmd-D to duplicate it.
Select new Project in Browser.
Go to Inspector, click Modify Settings.
Change Format to Custom, enter desired frame size.

Thanks! I will give this a shot - much appreciated

there's a much easier one:

while Project is slected in the Browser click in the Inspector 'change settings'
select a new aspect ratio...

Karsten Schlüter wrote: there's a much easier one:

while Project is slected in the Browser click in the Inspector 'change settings'
select a new aspect ratio...

Thanks - that did it!
It is testament to how unintuitive the UI is that I had to google how to do this.
There is a modify settings button visible only after hitting command - J - there was no apparent way to change settings otherwise. This program really frustrates me. Bad design. Have to google how to do just about everything.
Anyway, thanks for your help!! This a great resource.

tj7 wrote: ...This program really frustrates me. Bad design. Have to google how to do just about everything. ...

tough statement, esp. on this board! :lol:

The 'logic' behind this is - for me - simple:
The Inspector is the general place for 'settings', preferred numerical stuff.
And as in any program on any platform the last 40y, you have to tell the machine first 'where', then 'what'
so, first select project = you want to change settings where, then change parameters = what you want...

In other apps (rude example: MSOffice...) those general settings are well hidden; or can not be changed afterwards ...

Instead of googleing everything, I strongly recommend a from-the-ground-square#1 learning; your initial post appeals to me highly complicated/'overthought', and tells me, you try to put habitual workflows/thinking over a new paradigm ... that, indeed, leads to frustration and the (false) impression of bad design.

or, Plan B, choose a different tool which fits your needs better.

But don't give up too early, FCPX is easy, even my 12y pupils handle it ....

I'm getting there, but for me a "settings" change is something very basic which should be much more easily located. However, that's just one opinion and overall I am getting done what I need to get done...

I understand what you mean. But, honestly, no matter what you select in the Browser (Library, Project file, Multicam Clip, Synchronized Clip, Compound Clip...) will be instantly revealed in the Inspector, where there is a big "Modify Settings" button you can click. I doubt if it can get any more intuitive than that

- Ronny

tj7 wrote: I'm getting there, but for me a "settings" change is something very basic which should be much more easily located. ...

for sure... but changing a projects general settings is no trivia task (and, imho, a very rare questioned feature), plus, on New Project, that is the very first question, what format?, FCPX is asking for .....

Usability could be endlessley debated ... :silly:

When talking with 'Windows users on a mission', that is the core difference:
one system allows 'everything', incl getting lost in options
the other offers a restricted set of operations, but therfor ease of use.

FCPX, in that tradition, demands some strict workflow ("make up your mind BEFORE click!!!"), but following that route, makes it easier to concentrate on creation.

Taking a training course is so worth while. Take just a little time, learn the system, save hours, days, weeks of headaches later. All NLEs are complex beasts, and aren't going to be learned easily by just clicking buttons. That said, FCPX is the easiest to learn and use, by far. Have a go at Media Composer with no training, see what that's like.

But seriously, these are the most basic functions, and some simple, quick, basic training would go a very long way.