How to Make a Black Screen With Text in Final Cut Express

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When editing a movie or short video, titles can help bookend the production or add details between scenes. Final Cut Express supports the creation of text titles both on top of the existing video image and on plain color screens. Learning to use titles is critical if you want to give your movies a professional look.

1 Click the Video tab

Click the “Video” tab in the Viewer window, and then select the “Text” generator from the pop-up menu.

2 Click Controls ” in the Viewer

Click “Controls” in the Viewer, and then type the text you want for your title in the Text field.

3 Select the destination track on the Timeline window

Select the destination track on the Timeline window.

4 Drag the title clip from the Viewer to the timeline

Drag the title clip from the Viewer to the timeline to insert it into the movie.

5 Click Effects

Click “Effects | Video Generators | Matte | Color.” This creates a black matte screen; click the swatch to adjust the color.

6 Drag the color matte

Drag the color matte to the track below the title track. The title appears over the matte background.

  • Information in this article applies to Final Cut Express 4. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
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