This course unravels the post-production world for editors. Students will dive into the key features of Apple’s Final Cut Pro software for Video and Audio Editing and learn elements for creating professional videos with the use of transitions and effects, titles and motion graphics, color correction, 360 Video and Media Management.
This self-paced course prepares students to pass the Final Cut Pro X certification exam. Learn at your own pace, retake the lessons as needed, and practice alongside the Apple Certified Trainer.
We recommend that you have a basic understanding of macOS, video terminology and while not required, experience with video production and workflow is helpful.
This course was developed by LearnQuest in association with two highly experienced Apple Certified Trainers and editors.
In this first module, we will learn the basics of navigating the Final Cut Pro X (FCPX) interface, importing media, and getting it organized and ready to edit.
In this module, we will discuss all things audio including creating a simple mix, adding effects to improve challenging audio issues, and adding voice-overs.
In this module we will add and manipulate transitions, add both practical and creative effects to our clips, and learn about adjusting transform properties.
In this module we will dig into color correction, learning how to read video scopes to assess an images’ needs and then how to alter clips for both practical and creative purposes.
Fixing Exposure and Color with Color Wheels•12 minutes
Adjusting Shots with Color Curves•9 minutes
Isolating Color with Hue/Saturation Curves•4 minutes
Working with Color Masks and Shapes•7 minutes
Helpful Shortcut Keys for Color Correction•5 minutes
Working in HDR•4 minutes
5 readings•Total 130 minutes
Project Time•10 minutes
Project Time•10 minutes
Project Time•10 minutes
Project Time•10 minutes
Module 6•90 minutes
4 assignments•Total 120 minutes
Module 6•30 minutes
Practice•30 minutes
Practice•30 minutes
Practice•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Color Controls•10 minutes
Media Management, Exporting and Interoperability
Module 7•4 hours to complete
Module details
Nearing the end of the workflow, we will look at all the different ways to get your project out of FCPX, from sharing to social media to exporting master files to your hard drive to sharing active projects with fellow editors.
In this module, we will explore FCPX’s 360-degree video capabilities. We’re learn important concepts of 360-video, how to set up a timeline and some unique effects and transitions for 360-media.
LearnQuest is the preferred training partner to the world’s leading companies, organizations, and government agencies. Our team boasts 20+ years of experience designing, developing and delivering a full suite industry-leading technology education classes and training solutions across the globe. Our trainers, equipped with expert industry experience and an unparalleled commitment to quality, facilitate classes that are offered in various delivery formats so our clients can obtain the training they need when and where they need it.
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.4
230 reviews
5 stars
68.69%
4 stars
18.69%
3 stars
3.47%
2 stars
2.60%
1 star
6.52%
Showing 3 of 230
R
RD
5·
Reviewed on Apr 25, 2020
The most useful and comprehensive course I have done on FCPX. I now feel well prepared to make the most of this great software.
J
JH
4·
Reviewed on May 18, 2025
Great to refresh on Final Cut - could do with updating to latest version as some subtle and major changes (eg auto captions now available)
A
AP
5·
Reviewed on Apr 30, 2020
It was great learning on Coursera platform! I would like to thanks from my bottom of heart to Shri Jason Cox and Shri Nick Harauz for their clear voices that was understood clearly.
What will I actually learn in this Final Cut Pro course?
You'll learn how to take a video project from imported footage to a finished export in Final Cut Pro. It starts with organizing media and building a rough cut, then moves into audio work, color correction, and final delivery. You'll apply that through guided exercises such as trimming clips, adding B-roll and music, and exporting finished files.
Do I need any background before starting this course?
You don't need prior Final Cut Pro experience, but some basic familiarity with macOS and video terminology will help. The course moves quickly into setting up libraries, importing media, and working in the timeline rather than teaching computer basics first. Experience with video production and workflow is helpful, but not required.
Is this course beginner-friendly for Final Cut Pro?
Yes, it's beginner-friendly if you're new to Final Cut Pro and comfortable working on a Mac. The course starts with the interface, media import, and organization before moving into more specialized areas like audio fixes, titles, and color work. If you want a very short overview, though, this course goes deeper than that.
How long does it take to complete this course?
Expect about 40 hours of work in total, or roughly four weeks at 10 hours a week. The pacing includes lessons, readings, quizzes, and guided practice with exercise files, so you'll be switching between learning and doing. It's a substantial beginner course rather than a quick primer.
Are there hands-on exercises or projects in this course?
Yes, there's a steady amount of guided practice throughout the course. You'll work with downloadable exercise files, complete guided practice activities, and check your understanding with quizzes as you set up libraries, edit timelines, mix audio, and export projects. It's more guided than open-ended, which makes it useful if you want to apply each skill right after learning it.
What skills and topics are covered in this course?
The course covers the full editing workflow in Final Cut Pro, from media organization and timeline editing to audio work, visual finishing, and export. You'll learn how to use tools like the Trim tool and video scopes while also working with titles, captions, effects, and media management. It also includes motion graphics and 360 video, so the coverage goes well beyond basic cutting.
What can I actually do after finishing this course?
You should be able to create and finish a complete edit in Final Cut Pro, not just navigate the interface. That includes organizing footage, building a rough cut, refining timing and audio, and adding finishing elements like titles, transitions, and color adjustments. For example, you could turn interview footage and B-roll into a polished video, then export both a master file and a web-ready version.
Is this course more theory-based or hands-on?
It's more hands-on than theory-heavy, but the practice is guided rather than open-ended. Most topics are taught through step-by-step lessons, exercise files, readings, and short quizzes, so it suits learners who want clear direction as they learn the software.
Why would I choose this course over other Final Cut Pro courses?
This course is a strong choice if you want Final Cut Pro taught as a full post-production workflow, not just a set of basic edits. It moves from media organization and rough cuts into audio, motion graphics, color correction, captions, sharing, and 360 video, with guided practice files throughout and instruction alongside an Apple Certified Trainer. If you want one beginner course that stays broad and workflow-based all the way through final delivery, it's a strong fit.