Final Cut is such a mess, help needed

Hello everyone, working on a really time-sensitive project, and FCPX is driving me up the wall. Never before have I had such issues with it. Modified files suddenly appear, then they revert back to normal, some of my clips turn into missing files and I attempt to re-link them, any single action lags the entire program and color correcting takes 2 seconds to register a change, it's horrible. So upset, I've scoured the entire Internet looking for an answer to this forsaken issue, but haven't found anything. IK I haven't given any precise information about my set-up, don't really know what to say, but if anyone can help me ASAP, that would be appreciated. Thanks!

Most obvious things to start with:

Reset Fcp preferences (quit fcp, hold down CMD and Option keys, then open FCP, click delete preferences in the window that opens)

Shut off your Mac and turn it on again to clear RAM caches.

So that did a little help, thank you, but I still feel like Final Cut is having a horrible stomach-ache; every few seconds the infamous beach ball comes back, and then stops, and comes back again. And what's weird is, I have around (I think) at least 100g of 4k footage imported, yet the entire library only registers as being 4g... what does this even mean?! You have disappointed me so much, my dear editing software friend. Anybody have ideas?

Please post an EtreCheck report etrecheck.com giving the application Full Disk Access in Privacy System Preferences. Copy the report an d use the Add Text button to paste the result into reply box.

Yeah, i heard about etrecheck frequently on the Apple forum etc, but I tried downloading it and my computer claims its damaged and thus I can't open it... can't bypass it using system preferences. 

Right click on the application and select Open.

And what's weird is, I have around (I think) at least 100g of 4k footage imported, yet the entire library only registers as being 4g... 

This may mean something - do you typically import all of your footage into the Library?  I typically don't, so my Library files are much smaller than the sum total of imported media.

Also, we've got nothing to go on... what machine you're using, specs for said machine, OS and software versions, storage media and how they're connected, etc.  EtreCheck will answer all of this missing information and include stuff that you didn't know could help diagnose the problem.

“EtreCheckPro” is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash.“EtreCheckPro” is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash.TYTRYRT

It's still hitting me with this message.

Yeah, I usually import everything in. Since Etrecheck isn't working, I can give my amateur rundown:

Mac Mini 2018 model
macoOS Monterey version 12.0.1
3 ghz 6-core intel core i5
Intel UHD graphics 630 1536 MB
FCP version 10.6.1 located on main drive, (Macintosh HD)
Library and footage located on external 2TB hard drive (Seagate, if you care)

That's a good start, thank you.  I tested the EtreCheck download, and it unzips and runs fine on my 2019 Intel iMac.  I think maybe you've got something else going on, unrelated to FCP.

Two more questions:
 - How much free space is on your boot drive?
 - What kind of Seagate external, and how's it connected?

122 gig left, (out of 251)

re: second question, not sure, it says its a seagate portable drive, connected through usb

re: second question, not sure, it says its a seagate portable drive, connected through usb

Is that an SSD, or a spinner?  Should be a model number on there somewhere - get your magnifying glass!  ;^)

Trying to edit 4K off a little 5400rpm platter will be more than a headache.  SSD would be less trouble for sure, but the Mini hasn't got much horsepower so you're in for a bit of pain regardless.  There are ways to mitigate some of it, though.

It's a Seagate Srdonf1. Hmm, I've been editing on my boy here for a few years and hasnt ever really given me that much trouble (I specifically bought the higher-end version I believe just for that)

Really need some information about the drive and the connection. If it's USB3 it's going to be hard pressed, especially if it's a spinner and as it fills. At least select the drive on your computer and use Cmd-I to get information about it.

Kind: Volume
Format: MS-DOS (FAT32)
It's Hdd..

I think it is USB 3.0, pretty sure the connector is blue.

I just looked up the model - it's a 2TB USB 3.0 spinner.  Seagate doesn't provide any info on the HDD, but it's their least expensive line so I'm assuming worst-case power-throttled 5400rpm.

You can't use that drive with FCP. It can't be DOS formatted. It needs to be HFS+, macOS Extended. 

...with a GUID partition map.

Well then how has it been working for me previously?

You've been incredibly lucky, and you're probably working with small files.