This article explains why H.265 videos won’t import to FCP X and introduces a step-by-step guide to convert H.265 to ProRes codec to load to FCP X for further editing.
When trying to import 4K H.265 videos to FCP X, you will be noticed “File error” and you just fail to add and load H.265 to FCP X though the .mp4 files can play in QuickTime.
The fact is that you are trying to import files with codec that FCP X does not support. Your MP4 files may use a codec which is not an editting codec supported by FCP X. MP4 is a container which can contain video and audio components encoded with different types (codecs). Earily versions of FCP 5, FCP 6 are FCP 7 are unable to import MP4 encoded with any codec. Though the latest FCP X can import MP4 encoded in AVC, they still cannot import MP4 encoded with other video codec.
In order to add the H.265 MP4 videos that won’t import to FCP X, you can convert H.265 to the editting format Apple ProRes. We also recommend you convert your ProRes 422 or ProRes 4444 files to editting format Apple ProRes before you import to H.265 to avoid long long time rendering process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert H.265 to ProRes to import to FCP X
Prepare: Free download H.265 Video Converter
Step 1: Add H.265 to the software
Click the “Add Files” button to import H.265 videos to MP4 to FCP X Converter. Or you can simply drag & drop your files to the program interface
Step 2: Choose output format
Click on the “Format” drop-down list and choose “Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)” from “Final Cut Pro” category.
Step 3: Convert H.265 to ProRes
Press on the “Convert” button at the bottom right to start transcoding H.265 to Apple ProRes on Mac.
Step 4: Import H.265 to FCP X
When conversion finished, located the converted file and import to FCP X for further editing.
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