2009

Compatible Still-Image Formats
All Final Cut Studio applications that can import graphics files are capable of supporting
a wide variety of image formats. However, because of their high quality and prevalence,
the following formats are the ones most commonly used for post-production media
interchange. (All these formats support alpha channels for preserving transparency.)
• TIFF: The Tagged Image File Format is a commonly used image format for RGB graphics
on a variety of platforms.
• PICT: A common image format used on Mac computers, PICT files can use any of the
standard QuickTime codecs for compression in color or grayscale.
• TARGA (TGA): An uncompressed file format that’s been in use for many years.
• JPEG: A highly compressed image format created by the Joint Photographic Experts
Group. The amount of compression that may be applied is variable, but higher
compression ratios can create visual artifacts, visible as discernible blocks of similar
color. With minimal compression, this format can be suitable for an online workflow.
• PSD: Both Final Cut Pro and Motion support the import of layered Photoshop files,
either with layers preserved or with layers collapsed into a single item.
Image Sequences
Some workflows use image sequences to move animation from application to application.
An image sequence is a collection of individual image files in which each file is a frame
of a movie or animation clip. The filenames contain the frame number, which is used to
organize the sequence for playback. Image sequences are used frequently in digital
intermediate workflows and are also used for rendering computer animation and high-end
compositing. The various applications in Final Cut Studio handle image sequences
differently.
• Image sequences in Final Cut Pro: Final Cut Pro can export image sequences (using the
Export Using QuickTime Conversion command) but cannot import image sequences
for use as media clips. If you have one or more image sequences you need to use in
Final Cut Pro, it’s best to convert them to QuickTime files using Compressor or Color
first.
• Image sequences in Motion: Motion can both import and export image sequences. You
can specify that imported image sequences be treated as a single clip by clicking the
“Show image sequences as collapsed” button in the File Browser.
• Image sequence conversion in Compressor and Color: Compressor and Color are both
capable of importing image sequences, for purposes of converting them to other
formats of QuickTime for ease of organization and use. To preserve maximum quality,
convert image sequences to QuickTime movies using the Apple ProRes 4444 codec.
Compressor and Color are also capable of converting QuickTime media to image
sequences. For more information, see the Compressor and Color documentation.
55Chapter 3 Integration During Editorial Development