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Export from Final Cut

There are a few different ways to export your video from Final Cut X to be uploaded on Vimeo.

  1. Sending to Compressor
  2. Sharing as a master file to your computer
  3. Sharing/uploading directly to Vimeo using the Mac OS App

For the most fine-grained control over your video's export settings, we recommend using method 1 to send the file to Compressor first, then adjust the compression settings there. (Compressor can be purchased from Mac App Store: Compressor). Compressor gives much more control over your video’s export settings than FCP X alone.

If you want to upload your video in Dolby Vision using Final Cut Pro, our partners at Dolby have a tutorial at How-To: Editing Dolby Vision with Apple Final Cut Pro for Vimeo.

Sending to Compressor

PROS

CONS

You’ll have more fine-tuned control over your compression settings

There are more steps involved.
 

You’ll need to purchase Compressor

Select your final sequence in Final Cut, then open File > Send to Compressor.

 

Sharing as a master file to your computer

PROS

CONS

A simple way to export videos (good if you have limited knowledge of compression)

You’ll have less fine-tuned control over your compression settings

You can view your final file before uploading

Learn more about exporting the master file from FCP from Apple at 'Export final mastering files with Final Cut Pro'.
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  • In the Destinations menu, select Add Destination, then double-click "Export File." You can name this destination if desired (e.g. "Vimeo export"). Make sure to apply the following settings:
   

Format

Video and Audio

Video codec

H.264

Include chapter markers

Unchecked
  • Leave the Destinations menu. Highlight your final sequence.
  • Go to File > Share > Export File... (or select the name you gave your Destination).
  • In the Info Tab, you have the option to adjust your video title, description, and tags. However, those will not apply to your video on Vimeo. Click Next to begin the export process.
  • View your finished, compressed file to make sure it looks and sounds correct — then upload it to Vimeo. Learn more about uploading to Vimeo in the 'Upload and video settings' section of the Help Center. 

Sharing/uploading directly to Vimeo using the Mac OS App 

⚠️Note: macOS 10.12 Sierra or higher is required.

PROS

CONS

You can upload a file to Vimeo from Final Cut in one step, without ever having to open a browser.

You won’t be able to see this file before it’s uploaded to Vimeo.

You can set the exact title, description, tags, and video privacy settings to be used on Vimeo.

Using the Mac OS app, you can compress and upload videos to Vimeo in one simple step. To get started, you’ll need to install the Vimeo app from the Mac OS App Store at App Store: Vimeo.

Next, please follow the instructions outlined in the 'Vimeo MacOS App' article to set up your integration with Final Cut. Once you’ve connected the Mac OS app on your system to Final Cut, you can then upload directly to Vimeo using the advanced sharing destination.

A screenshot showing the destinations menu in Final Cut. The left panel has multiple destinations where you can export your video. Vimeo (advanced) is selected as the destination in the left panel. The right panel shows the export settings of Vimeo (advanced).

Please note that Apple also includes built-in integration with Vimeo, as shown here under new destinations:

A screenshot showing how to add export destinations in Final Cut. Select the 'Add Destination' button in the left panel. Select 'Vimeo' in the right panel.

This integration can also be used to upload directly to Vimeo from Final Cut without using the Vimeo Mac OS app, however, Vimeo’s support team will be unable to assist with any issues that arise.

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