Geeky Mac

From Apple Knowledge Base Article: HT5550

Before installing an update to Final Cut Pro X from the Mac App Store or performing steps in Final Cut Pro X: Troubleshooting basics, be sure you have a current backup. Follow the steps below to back up your Projects, Events, and your current version of Final Cut Pro X.

Important note: It is recommended that you complete any active Projects before upgrading to a new version of Final Cut Pro. You should also ensure that you have a current backup of your Project, Event, and the application.

Backing up the Final Cut Pro X application
When updating Final Cut Pro X via the Mac App Store, the newer version of Final Cut Pro X will replace the current version you have. As a best practice, before updating Final Cut Pro X you should save a copy of the currently installed version as a backup by following these steps:

1. Create a new folder in the Applications folder. Name the folder with the name and version of the application (for example, “Final Cut Pro X 10.0.5”). To check the version of Final Cut Pro X you have, open the application and choose Final Cut Pro > About Final Cut Pro.

2. Select the Final Cut Pro X application in the Applications folder. Choose File > Compress “Final Cut Pro” or Control-click the application and choose Compress “Final Cut Pro” from the contextual menu. It will take a few minutes to compress the application.

3. Move the resulting “Final Cut Pro.zip” file into the folder you created in step 1.

4. Now you can move the folder containing the zip file to your preferred location for storing your backup. For example, you could copy it to an external backup drive.

Backing up your Projects and Events
See Back up Projects, your Project Library, and Events in Final Cut Pro X for instructions.

When backing up your projects and Events be sure to place copies of them inside a new backup folder. This will prevent Final Cut Pro X from automatically opening your backup Projects and Events.

Updating Projects and Events in a new version of Final Cut Pro X

Important Note: Once Projects and Events are updated for use in a new version of Final Cut Pro X, you cannot open them in an earlier version of Final Cut Pro X.

After installing an updated version of Final Cut Pro X, you will receive an alert at first launch prompting you to update your existing Projects and Events. Clicking Ignore will leave your Projects and Events untouched. Clicking OK will proceed with updating your existing Projects and Events for use in the new version.