If you’re a video or music creator using Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro, you may have wondered why there isn’t a version of your favorite editing suite available on the iPad. Many creators have been waiting for creative applications to use touchscreen technology, and it might have taken a while, but Apple is finally releasing Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad, and we’re super excited about it.
If you’re a video or music creator using Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro, you may have wondered why there isn’t a version of your favorite editing suite available on the iPad. Many creators have been waiting for creative applications to use touchscreen technology, and it might have taken a while, but Apple is finally releasing Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad, and we’re super excited about it.
Specifications and cost
Before we learn all about the excellent new tools you can use for your content creation, let’s look at what devices you need to be able to use Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on iPad.
Unfortunately, there is a subscription cost for the apps, but at just $4.99 a month or $49 for the year, it is incredibly cost-effective for these powerful tools. Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad can be downloaded Tuesday, May 23, from the App Store.
Another downside is that not all iPads can support the Logic Pro or Final Cut Pro app, so if you want to start using it, consider updating your hardware. Logic Pro for iPad will be available on iPads with the A12 Bionic chip, and Final Cut Pro will be compatible with M1 chip iPad models or later.
Touch screen
While you can hook up a keyboard or mouse to the iPad, most users choose it for its powerful touchscreen capabilities. Both Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on iPad take full advantage of this, and it is clear to see when using the applications that a significant amount of thought has gone into the integration.
With iPad Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, you can control everything with your fingers or an Apple Pencil. Moving around the interface, dragging and dropping media, and keyframing tools – the experience feels slick and futuristic yet comfortable and familiar.
Final Cut Pro for iPad
Final Cut Pro on iPad is something editors have been requesting since the launch of FCPX in 2011. At the time, many users felt that the change from Final Cut Pro 7 to the more app-like FCPX was a mistake, but this software redesign opened the gates to an iPad version of Final Cut Pro.
Pro Camera Mode
Final Cut Pro can now be a vital tool for filming with the Pro Camera Mode. Over the years, Apple has made considerable improvements to the camera but still needs the fine-tuning tools you’d get with a professional camera.
With Pro Camera Mode for iPad Final Cut Pro, you can manually control settings like focus, white balance, and exposure. Your iPad also becomes a monitor, displaying audio controls and available recording time.
Machine learning
Having Final Cut Pro available on your iPad as an app has also allowed it to use AI and Machine Learning tools already utilized on Apple devices. The Scene Removal Mask tools will enable you to remove entire backgrounds without needing Green Screen just by tapping it. The Voice Isolation tool makes removing background noise incredibly easy, and auto-crop can save you time producing content in different aspect ratios.
You can also check out this video to learn how to edit green screen footage on Final Cut Pro.
Multicam video editing
Final Cut Pro X has always been a favorite for multicam editing due to its easy synchronizing tools and intuitive controls. Final Cut Pro for iPad takes it up a level, allowing you to auto-sync your clips and switch between angles in a single tap of the screen.
Plugins
Third-Party Plugins are not yet supported in Final Cut Pro for iPad, but they have left a handy button for them to be added later. Unfortunately, this means you won’t be able to import your favorite titles, effects, and Final Cut Pro templates at the moment. Still, it is worth considering that this is the first version of Final Cut Pro for iPad, and many changes, fixes, and additions will come.
Live drawing
When using an Apple Pencil, your iPad turns into a powerful graphics tablet and can be used for all the editing functions in the app. The Live Drawing feature is one of the most incredible things about Final Cut Pro for iPad. If you’ve got an Apple Pencil, you can now draw directly onto your video, allowing you to create dynamic animations you’d previously need to use After Effects.
Updated effects, graphics, and titles library
If you’ve been using Final Cut Pro X for a while, you’ve probably gotten bored of the limited Graphics, Titles, and Effects available in the software. Don’t worry – the iPad Final Cut Pro has many new assets, including stunning motion graphics backgrounds, ideal for use with the Scene Removal Mask tools.
Importing and exporting your video projects
The iPad Final Cut Pro is made for starting or completing video projects on the same device. Importing clips from your iPad reel, editing, and exporting them are all super easy and convenient. You can also send entire projects from your iPad to your Mac.
Problems arise when you want to work between devices, as there is no way to send projects from a Mac to an iPad. If you want to edit on your iPad using clips filmed on another camera, you must import them all to your iPad library before you can begin editing.
Storage limitations
While many practical tools and functions are included in the iPad Final Cut Pro, the most significant limitations are around storage. Video clips can be huge, and many editors work from multiple external hard drives to ensure they have the space required.
iPads have no way of connecting with an external hard drive – you are limited to the size of your device.
Logic Pro for iPad
There is no doubt that Logic Pro is a powerful application, but as intuitive and dynamic as the controls were, you never really felt like you were playing an instrument. Logic Pro for iPad changes all that with the simple addition of multi-touch play surfaces, and we love it.
Production tools
Logic Pro for iPad has many new production tools that will save time and inspire creativity. With the Step Sequencer, you can customize your drum kits with the Drum Machine Designer and automate melodies, drum patterns, and baselines.
Quick Sampler will surely be a favorite with music producers and DJs, allowing you to program your instruments from your music samples.
Sound browser
The iPad Logic Pro Sound Browser is essential when working on a smaller screen than your average laptop. The new Browser places all your sounds, loops, samples, and patches in one easy-to-navigate browser window. You can preview any assets before bringing them into your project with one touch.
Browse unlimited Motion Array sound effects for your next project:
New instruments and effects
When combining a touchscreen device with a music production application, touchscreen play surfaces seem like an obvious step. The iPad Logic Pro offers robust controls and several options for how to play the instruments. With over 100 realistic-sounding instruments and many new effects, such as vintage EQs, compressors, and reverbs, the iPad Logic Pro will significantly change how music is made.
Pro mixer
Logic Pro wouldn’t be the incredible software we know and love without a stunning and intuitive mixer, and Logic Pro for iPad doesn’t disappoint. The multi-touch allows you to feel your way through the mixing process as you physically move sliders to adjust track levels, pan controls, and volume faders.
Import and export your music projects
Unlike FCP, Logic Pro for iPad allows complete roundtrips of your projects, going back and forth from your computer to your iPad as often as you’d like. You can also export from Logic Pro for iPad directly into Final Cut Pro for iPad, making complete, end-to-end production possible on one device.
Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad are impressive applications that offer a new way of recording and editing your work. Still, it’s important to remember that new applications will have problems, and it is through user feedback that Apple can improve its offering and make things easier for its creators. Whether you think iPad editing is the next big thing or just a gimmick to sell some subscriptions, touchscreen technology plus content creation equates to a whole lot of fun.
