Opening a Movie

You can open a QuickTime movie in a separate Movie window, or can display the single frames of a QuickTime movie in the global Video track. When a movie is opened in a project, the upper part of the Inspector shows a closed Movie area, which can be opened by clicking the disclosure triangle.

Figure. Arrange area showing movie in global Video track, and also opened as a separate Movie window.

Movie playback follows the playhead position, and vice versa, in the Inspector Movie area, and the Movie window.

Note: You will need a fast hard processor to ensure smooth movie playback. If you want to record and edit your own QuickTime movie (using iMovie or Final Cut Pro or Final Cut Express) from a video recorder or digital camera, you may need specialized hardware.

Important: You cannot record or edit video in Logic Pro. You can, however, replace the soundtrack of a movie file with music, Foley, and dialogue arranged in Logic Pro.

To open a QuickTime movie
Do one of the following:
  • Choose File > Open Movie from the main menu bar (or use the corresponding key command, default assignment:  Option-Command-O).

  • Click the Open Movie button in the global Video track.

  • Control-click (or right-click) the global Video track area, and choose Open Movie from the shortcut menu.

  • Click any position on the Video track with the Pencil tool.

  • Locate and select the movie file in the Browser, then click the Open button.

The video is opened in the floating Movie window, in its correct aspect ratio.

Note: Only one QuickTime movie can be opened in a project. Using the Open Movie command in a project that already contains a movie reopens a Movie window with the same video clip. This is particularly useful if you want to open the video clip in a different screenset. Choosing the command while the Movie window is open opens a dialog, allowing you to choose a new movie file.

To remove a movie from a project
Do one of the following:
  • Choose File > Remove Movie from the main menu bar (or use the corresponding key command).

  • Control-click (or right-click) the global Video track area, and choose Remove Movie from the shortcut menu.

All references to the movie are deleted from the project.