Format storage devices for Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Compressor - Apple Support (2024)

FAQs

What is the best disk format for Final Cut Pro? ›

If you need to reformat a storage device, use the APFS format for best performance.

Note: For better import and playback performance, Final Cut Pro automatically transcodes all MP3 audio files to MOV audio files and retains the original MP3 files for future use.

So, the best format for Mac external drive is APFS if you have a Mac running a version of macOS that supports it. If not, or if you plan to use the disk with a Mac that doesn't support APFS, format the disk as Mac OS Extended (Journaled). There are options within those two formats, namely Case Sensitive and Encrypted.

Use . WAV or . AIFF sound effect and music files in your FCP projects. This will insure smooth integration within the application, as well as the highest sound quality.

However, the three audio file types which are most commonly used are AIFF, WAV, and MP3, all of which Final Cut Pro can use. There are some important things to understand about each file type before you decide which is going to best suit your needs.

You can store libraries on an external storage device such as a USB drive, FireWire drive, or Thunderbolt drive formatted as APFS or MacOS Extended (Journaled). You can't store your library on an external drive or other disk used for Time Machine backups.

While APFS-formatted drives are intended for SSDs, Mac OS Extended is ideal for mechanical drives like HDDs. In addition to HDDs, Mac OS Extended suits hybrid drives like Apple's proprietary Fusion drives.

If you are using a Mac computer and want optimal performance and modern features, APFS is the way to go. On the other hand, if cross-platform compatibility with Windows systems is a priority, exFAT is the more suitable option.

What is the difference between APFS and APFS case sensitive? ›

APFS (Encrypted): Uses the APFS format and encrypts the volume. APFS (Case-sensitive): Uses the APFS format and is case-sensitive to file and folder names. For example, folders named “Homework” and “HOMEWORK” are two different folders.

When is MOV preferred? MOV is the standard within the Apple ecosystem, despite having a larger file size. Most non-Apple users will rarely ever run into the format. But if you're editing videos using Final Cut Pro or using a device with an Apple OS, you'll be working with MOV.

exFAT is the most well-rounded format out there, primarily because it can be read by both Mac and Windows computers. Many pro cameras also default to exFAT when formatting their cards. The only downside to exFAT is that it is a bit more susceptible to corruption if a drive is not ejected safely.

If you are using a Mac computer and want optimal performance and modern features, APFS is the way to go. On the other hand, if cross-platform compatibility with Windows systems is a priority, exFAT is the more suitable option.