[This article was first published in the June, 2007, issue of
Larry's Final Cut Pro Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.]

Do you need to import some files into Final Cut, but maybe, like me, you are trying to do too much at once and you've got Photoshop, Preview, Mail, Firefox and, of course, Final Cut all open at once.

Well, select and drag the files from the Finder window you want and whilst you are holding down the mouse button, press Command+Tab repeatedly until Final Cut is highlighted, or move the cursor over the Final Cut icon. Let go of the Command key (whilst still holding the mouse button) and hey presto! You can now drag the files into the Browser.

You could also drag the files straight into the sequence you're working on, but I think it's better to put them in the Browser first. This way you can see all the appropriate information about them and organize them with the other files.

What's t he advantage of this Command-Tab technique over File > Import > Files (Command+I)? Well, first, it's faster. However, the most compelling reason for me is that you can directly import the files into a specific bin, which, at least on 5.1.2, you cannot do just using the Import function. If you want to explore a bin that is closed, hold the files over the bin for a few seconds and in true "spring loaded folder" style, the bin will open.

This shortcut can be used with any application - it's system-wide. One last thing, I can't really see how this would be of use, but you can, should you wish, drag these files into the Viewer in FCP. If you have dragged more than one file, the Recent Items button allows you to see the others you have dragged.

Larry Jordan is a post-production consultant and an Apple-Certified Trainer in Digital Media with over 25 years experience as producer, director and editor with network, local and corporate credits. Based in Los Angeles, he's a member of both the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America.

The information in this article is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, the author assumes no liability in case things go wrong. Please use your best judgment in applying these suggestions.

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