FCPX projects exporting much larger then the original file size.

[Fainer]

I am editing a music video in FCPX that had an original file size of 57.9mb. After the edits I export the file. The absolute smallest I can get it after exporting it in different formats is just a little under 2 GBs! What am I doing wrong? I am fairly new to FCPX. Thanks for your help!

(running Mountain Lion on the newest iMac)

 

[simsaladimbamba]

What exact method and settings do you use to export from FCP X? If you are unsure, repeat the steps and make screenshots and attach them to your next post.

How to attach an image to your MR post.​

 

[Fainer]

Sorry about that. Thanks for the link. He we go:

So I am creating the project in the highest quality format, but I used to do that in iMovie and it was never exported so large before so I feel that isnt the problem. Im not exactally sure what my "current settings" were so i just used H.264. Lo and behond when I used that instead of whatever my "current settings" were, it exported 395.2 mb which is much better. Still larger than the original file size, but much better than 2 GB. :/

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Sorry about that. Thanks for the link. He we go:

So I am creating the project in the highest quality format, but I used to do that in iMovie and it was never exported so large before so I feel that isnt the problem. Im not exactally sure what my "current settings" were so i just used H.264. Lo and behond when I used that instead of whatever my "current settings" were, it exported 395.2 mb which is much better. Still larger than the original file size, but much better than 2 GB. :/

FCP X uses ProRes as editing codec and export option, if not set to something else. Since editing codecs store a lot of informat (every frame for example), 1080p files are much bigger than their compressed counterparts using H.264 as codec (which for example does not store every frame, only keyframes and the change between those, thus the much smaller size and quality loss).

You could try HandBrake and the 2 GB ProRes file to make a smaller H.264 encoded .m4v or .mp4 file using on its presets (Apple TV or Normal).

Video Compression
Why It Matters & How To Make The Most Of It

which includes the following sections:

• GOPs, Macroblocks & Wavelets
• Acquisition Formats
• Editing & Post Formats
• Final Cut Pro
• Avid Media Composer
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Which Codec Should I Edit With?
• Conclusion
• Camera Codec Summary
• Apple ProRes Variations
• Avid DNxHD Codecs

For images wider than 800 pixel, please use the TIMG tags instead of the IMG tags by just adding a T in front of the [IMG] and closing [/IMG] tag, like [img] and [/img] to prevent horizontal scrolling.
You can use the

to edit your images and add the Ts.

 

[Fainer]

Will do in the future. Thank you so much!