Get Final Cut Pro for Free: 3 SIMPLE Steps

As someone who has been dabbling in video editing for the past few months, you might be familiar with Final Cut Pro. It's a powerful tool, often described as "iMovie on steroids". But what if you could get it for free? Let's dive into how you can get a free version of this advanced software.

September 30, 2023
Get Final Cut Pro for Free: 3 SIMPLE Steps
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Getting Final Cut Pro for Free: A Comprehensive Guide

The Official Trial Version

Firstly, Apple offers a 90-day free trial of Final Cut Pro for new users. This trial version is available on the official Apple website. To install, simply open the disk image and double-click the installer package. You'll be guided through the installation process. If you're using a previous version of the Final Cut Pro trial, you'll be able to use this version free for an additional 90 days.

However, keep in mind that if you're currently using Final Cut Pro 7 and you update to use the trial, you must back up your libraries first. This is because when you start to use the FCPX trial, your existing libraries will be converted for the new software, which would mean you won’t be able to downgrade them again later. If you're unsure about how to handle this, there are resources like this Final Cut Pro tutorial that can guide you.

System Requirements

To run Final Cut Pro X, you will need at a minimum:

  • macOS 10.14.6 or later
  • Minimum 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended)
  • 256MB of VRAM
  • OpenCL-capable graphics card or Intel HD Graphics 3000 or later
  • 3.8GB of disk space

For more advanced features such as 4K editing, 3D titles, and 360° video editing, VR headset support, and so on, you’ll need:

  • 1GB of VRAM
  • Discrete graphics card (ideally AMD Radeon RX 580 graphics card)
  • macOS High Sierra or later
  • SteamVR

How to Download the Trial

To download the trial, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Final Cut Pro trial web page
  2. Submit your name and email address
  3. Click on the download tab and the trial version of the software will download. It’s a 1.15GB download.
  4. Once it is downloaded, you’ll find the disk image in the downloads folder on your Mac.
  5. Double-click on the installer package and install it on your Mac.

At the end of the 90-day trial, you will be invited to get the full version.

Limitations of the Trial Version

The trial version of Final Cut Pro is fully functional, with one exception. The Final Cut Pro Additional Content, which includes over 1300 royalty-free sound effects for use in your projects, isn’t available in the trial. Nevertheless, you can import media, edit, organize, add effects, color correct, export files in a variety of professional formats, and more. If you're looking to enhance your editing, there are best Final Cut Pro plugins available that can help you elevate your projects.

After the Trial Period

Once your trial period expires, you can purchase Final Cut Pro from the Mac App Store. You can continue to work with the same libraries and projects you created with the Final Cut Pro trial after you purchase and install the full version from the Mac App Store. But is it worth it? Here's an article discussing if Final Cut Pro is worth it that might help you make an informed decision.

Just remember, the trial version does have some limitations, but it's still a fantastic opportunity to test out the software. So, why not give it a try?

FAQ

Is there a way to get Final Cut Pro for free?

Yes, indeed! Apple offers a 90-day free trial of Final Cut Pro for new users. It's a fantastic opportunity to test out the software before making a purchase. However, remember that the trial version does have some limitations.

Is Final Cut Pro free for students?

While Final Cut Pro isn't free for students, Apple does offer the Pro Apps Bundle for Education. This bundle includes Final Cut Pro, Motion, Compressor, Logic Pro, and MainStage at a significantly discounted price for students.

Is Final Cut Pro a lifetime purchase?

Yes, when you purchase Final Cut Pro, it's a one-time payment. That means no monthly subscription fees. You buy it once, and it's yours for life. Plus, you get free updates, which is a sweet deal.

Is Final Cut free on PC?

To be honest, Final Cut Pro is a Mac-only application. It's not available on PC. If you're a PC user, you might want to explore other video editing software options.

What is a cheaper alternative to Final Cut Pro?

There are several cheaper alternatives to Final Cut Pro. For instance, Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional-level video editing software with a monthly subscription model. If you're looking for a free option, DaVinci Resolve is a powerful tool that's well-loved in the industry.

How much is Final Cut Pro full version?

The full version of Final Cut Pro costs $299. It might seem like a hefty price tag, but considering it's a one-time purchase for a professional-grade video editing software, many believe it's worth the investment.

Why Final Cut Pro is so expensive?

Final Cut Pro is considered expensive because it's a professional-grade video editing software. It comes packed with advanced features and tools that allow for high-quality video editing and production. Plus, it's a one-time purchase with free updates, which adds to its value. However, when compared to other professional video editing software, the price is quite competitive.