25 years after the launch of the first version of Final Cut Pro, Apple unveils a major update to its video editing software. This new version, called Final Cut Pro 11, introduces several artificial intelligence-based features as well as workflow improvements. Here are the 4 main new features of Final Cut Pro 11.
AI-powered magnetic masking
The most impressive feature of this update is undoubtedly the “Magnetic Mask”. This new option allows you to automatically isolate a subject from its background with a single click. This allows, for example, precise and targeted colorimetric adjustments.
Tests carried out on various types of content, from static interviews to dynamic sequences, prove very convincing.
Although manual adjustments are sometimes still necessary to obtain perfect masking, the speed of the process is astonishing. On a Mac mini M4, analyzing a one-minute clip takes a few seconds. A considerable time saving compared to traditional techniques in After Effects.
Note that this function is also compatible with Intel Macs, with necessarily less impressive performance.
Automatic generation of subtitles
Final Cut Pro 11 now includes an automatic subtitle generation system based on a language model developed by Apple. The most interesting aspect of this feature is its completely local processing, which guarantees data privacy.
While the processing speed is impressive, the precision sometimes leaves something to be desired, particularly with proper nouns and certain common words. Lack of subtitle styling options could also disappoint content creators for social networks like TikTok.
Mobile applications have a whole bunch of very comprehensive customization options for this type of use.
Spatial video editing for Vision Pro
If the Vision Pro is not yet a consumer product (it is even very far from it), Apple continues to develop the tools to take advantage of it. Thus, Final Cut Pro 11 integrates spatial video editing tools.
This feature positions the software as an essential tool for creators wishing to produce content for Apple’s future mixed reality headset.
Editing on iPad even simpler
The iPad version of Final Cut Pro is not left out with the arrival of several interesting features. The automatic color and light enhancement tool, formerly available on Mac, is making its appearance on tablets. Tests show its effectiveness in quickly optimizing exposure and adding subtle stylistic touches to footage.
The application also benefits from better integration with the Apple Pencil Pro: it now supports its new features like haptic feedback and tilt recognition.
Practical improvements like clip resizing by pinching and support for 120 fps timelines round out this very rich update.
- Final Cut Pro 11 is available and introduces “Magnetic Mask,” a lightning-fast AI-powered automatic masking tool
- The software now includes automatic generation of subtitles with local processing
- The iPad version gains features with automatic color enhancement and better Apple Pencil Pro integration
