Solving Still Image Issues

FCP can take in an unusually large number of file formats, such as Photoshop files, meaning that you can generate footage from nearly any source and integrate it into your project. The trick is performing such imports correctly, using suitable source material. What follows are a few of the most common issues users encounter when importing the range of file formats FCP supports.

Still Image Issues at a Glance
Type of Problem	Symptom	Possible Cause	Solution
Image sizing and scaling issues	#1: Fuzzy and pixelated images	Images have been scaled above 100 percent	Use a graphics program to resize your graphics; page 790
	#2: Project opens slowly and is unresponsive	High-resolution images used in project	Restrict image resolution; page 791
Scaling and interlace artifacting	#1: Footage flickers or ripples	Graphics with thin lines	Enlarge image or apply a blur; page 792
Photoshop image problems	#1: Loss of some Photoshop-applied effects	Photoshop features are incompatible with FCP	Flatten effects or avoid specific Photoshop features; page 793
	#2: Disappearing texture and drop shadows	Use of vector-based images	Rasterize Photoshop images; page 793
	#3: Stretched images	Mismatch of pixel shapes	Use Photoshop to "squeeze" the images; page 796
	#4: Movie loses transparency	Missing or reversed alpha channel	Reverse the alpha channel; page 799
	#5: Graphics lose sharp edges	Alpha channel is incorrectly assigned	Switch the alpha channel; page 801