Best way to use Illustrador files in FCPX

What's the best wotkflow to use ilustrador files in FCPX? Can't import .ai and .eps,
only .pdf ... PDF files can be imported but no alpha channel :silly:

I tried to export .psd from Ilustrador, but I don't know if it is the best workflow .

any idea?

FCPX asks for pixel-graphics, not vectors.

So, if your paint-tool allows it, convert intp pixels and export in Photoshop format .psd to keep layers and transparencies

And Welcome, Christian, to fcp.co

Karsten Schlüter wrote: FCPX asks for pixel-graphics, not vectors.

So, if your paint-tool allows it, convert intp pixels and export in Photoshop format .psd to keep layers and transparencies

And Welcome, Christian, to fcp.co

Thank you Karsten!

Hi Christian,

I quite often use Illustrator/PDFs for logos in FCPX by using Motion to turn them into a generator first. Alpha channel then works properly and you can scale the graphic without loss of quality.

Process:

1. Make a new generator (in Motion) at your required fame size
2. Import your PDF file and check transparency is present
3. In the Media tab select the imported file and in the Inspector>Media>Media Controls panel uncheck Fixed Resolution
4. Publish the Scale, position, rotation controls for the layer as required
5. Save the generator

You can now use it in FCPX with alpha transparency and vector quality scaling.

Not my question but nice Motion tip, ianstubbs. Thanks!

Hey ianstubbs. nice tip!

Thanks a lot !

oh ya, one more question...

Why Motion can bring .pdf files with alpha channelsl and FCP X don't ?

Just an FYI, .png files support alpha channels, too. I personally feel they're less bulky than .pdf files.

Thank you!!!

png (and tiff) transport alpha-chanels, but are single layered.
psd (Photoshop format) contains alpha too, but allow to handle layers as individual 'tracks' in FCPX - double click a psd and it opens in its own timeline, showing each layer as a track.

pdf would be my last choice for usage in FCPX, because the pdf-container allows all kind of 'stuff' within which could confuse FCPX.

ianstubbs, thank you for such a great tip!

I concur that FCP X works better with a png file on the timeline than with a pdf, but the ability to use the vectorial information in the pdf via a Motion generator is AWESOME. I have just tested this with a very complicated vectorial drawing and it works wonderfully well - in one instance, I scaled the drawing up to 10000% and it was perfect. Doing the same with png with require the creation of a huge file. Oh, and that pdf file used only 4KB...

Thanks for the kind words. I've used this technique for many jobs over the last few years and it's never caused a problem. Used sensibly it allows manipulation of vector graphics in FCPX which is otherwise not possible. Obviously this has advantages over bit map images when scaling and the vector is often smaller in size than the equivalent png or psd files. However, it's not always the best choice - it's just another tool in the box.

With the addition of blur and drop shadow controls I've used it to put a logo on the wall behind an interviewee too.

Yes, PDF is about the only option, and a good one, for vector graphics, when needed. FCPX handles them extremely well. Just depends on what your requirements are at the moment. PDF, PSD, PNG, JPG, all have their pros and cons.

Thanks!

Karsten Schlüter wrote: png (and tiff) transport alpha-chanels, but are single layered.
psd (Photoshop format) contains alpha too, but allow to handle layers as individual 'tracks' in FCPX - double click a psd and it opens in its own timeline, showing each layer as a track.

pdf would be my last choice for usage in FCPX, because the pdf-container allows all kind of 'stuff' within which could confuse FCPX.

I've just tried this with an .AI file and everything worked apart from the scalling. When using an AI file I would of assumed it would work the same way as the PDF?

When selecting the media in the Inspector there isn't an option to unstick Fixed Resolution' all you have is that option in the group settings. Can you do this with AI files? They are in essence vectors.