Final Cut Pro is a series of non-linear video editing software programs currently developed by Apple Inc. If you are a professional video editor, vlogger, filmmaker, Youtuber, or even a social media marketer looking for an easy-to-use tool that provides you with a plethora of cool features for creating professional-looking videos, Final Cut Pro would make an excellent choice.

The software offers a wealth of effective functionalities, coupled with an intuitive interface that boasts an easy-to-navigate dashboard. It presents a range of editing and color-grading choices, along with numerous plugins to assist in crafting polished video edits for various objectives.

The current edition of Final Cut Pro comes with an Object Tracker feature that uses machine learning to detect faces and objects, then match their movement with titles and effects.

Final Cut Pro is available for a 90-day free trial. Follow the instructions below and I’ll show you how to download and start using Final Cut Pro for free.

How to Download and Install Final Cut Pro on Your Mac for Free

  1. Click on the Download button on the sidebar to go directly to the official Final Cut Pro download page.
  2. Click Download to get the .dmg file to set up the application.
    Final Cut Pro free trial download screenshot
  3. To install the software, open the disk image, double-click the installer package to unzip it, and follow the on-screen guide to complete the installation process. If you have an earlier version of the Final Cut Pro trial installed, you’ll be able to use this new version free for an additional 90 days. Double-click on the installed app to open it.
  4. Alternatively, you can go to the App Store on your Mac. Search for Final Cut Pro and click on Get to automatically download and install the program.
  5. Finally, drag the application to the Applications folder on your Mac.
    Final Cut Pro app store screenshot

How to Uninstall Final Cut Pro from your Mac

Here’s a simple guide to help you uninstall Final Cut Pro from your Mac.

  1. Navigate to the Go menu at the top of your screen and choose Applications.
    Final Cut Pro MacOS nav menu screenshot
  2. Locate the Final Cut Pro app in the Applications folder and drag the app to the Trash, or select the app and choose File, then Move to Trash.
    Alternatively, you can use Spotlight to find the Final Cut Pro app, then press and hold the Command (⌘) key while double-clicking the app in Spotlight.
    Final Cut Pro application MacOS screenshot
  3. To authorize this, enter your username and password for an administrator account on your Mac.
  4. To delete the app completely from your computer, go to Finder, select Empty Trash, or specifically delete the Final Cut Pro app from the trash.

Note that to start your 90-day free trial, you do not need to add a payment method so that you won’t be charged. Therefore, by deleting the Final Cut Pro application, you automatically end your free trial.

If you prefer to try a different video editing software, feel free to try any free alternative below.

Overview of Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is a professional video editing application specially designed for Mac users. The software offers you practically all the pro features you need to create amazing videos, including plugins, effects, and tools created by leading developers.

Although the software is only available for Mac users, it is a fully-packed program with rich features like advanced color grading, Motion & Compressor, 360° editing, and much more. With optimizations for Apple silicon and its modern Metal engine, you can use Final Cut Pro to edit larger, more complex projects and work with larger frame sizes and higher frame rates.

Final Cut Pro editor screenshot

Before installing, you need to take note of the system requirements as the program may not work optimally on your Mac if it doesn’t meet them up. The file size alone is a little over 3GB, and you need a macOS 10.14.6 machine or later with 4GB of RAM, at least to run the application. Final Cut Pro is actually one of a suite of five different professional applications for video and music creation and post-production offered by Apple. This includes Final Cut Pro, Motion, Compressor, Logic Pro, and MainStage and can help you make the most of Final Cut Pro.

Features of Final Cut Pro

  • Intuitive user interface with several easy-to-use features.
  • Lots of attractive, customizable templates.
  • Edit multi-camera projects with automatic syncing based on audio waveforms.
  • Features a Magnetic Timeline and advanced metadata for faster, better editing.
  • Non-destructive, clean, quick, and non-linear video editing.
  • Utilizes Metal for improved performance.
  • Use the new Object Tracker feature to detect faces and objects, then match their movement with titles and effects. You can also use it to add dynamic text or color correction to moving footage.
  • Advanced color-grading, effects, and video editing plugins for better quality.
  • Suitable for editing HD, 4K, 8K, and 360-degree video
  • Additional programs like Compressor and Motion to expand the video editor’s functionality.
  • Choose focus points in a shot and change them over time.

Free Alternatives to Final Cut Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro: Adobe Premiere Pro is a robust video post-production application featuring all the essential tools for just about anyone looking to produce professional-looking videos. While Premiere Pro is a premium tool, you can download and use it free for 7 days.

Movavi Picverse: With Movavi Picverse, you don’t need to be a professional photographer or editor to create good-looking images. The tools are easy to use, and you can see the results in real-time. Picverse also has over 100 filters and a wide selection of stickers that allow you to insert your personality onto any image. Movavi Picverse has a smart AI tool that will automatically adjust the colors and contrast for you. Enjoy it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Davinci Resolve: DaVinci Resolve is an excellent alternative to Apple’s Final Cut Pro because it is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux machines. It is an all-in-one application that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production.

FAQs

Is Final Cut Pro free?

You can get a fully-functional free trial for 90 days. However, you may not have access to premium features like Final Cut Pro Additional Content (more than 1300 royalty-free sound effects) until you buy the program. Follow this simple instruction to download the Final Cut Pro application and start your 90-day trial.

Is Final Cut Pro secure?

Yes, you can safely download and install Final Cut Pro either from the Apple App Store or using a backup file downloadable from the official Final Cut Pro website. Avoid downloading the application from unofficial sites to prevent exposure to virus and malware attacks.

What media formats does Final Cut Pro support?

Final Cut Pro supports lots of media formats, including HDV, HEVC, iFrame, Motion JPEG (OpenDML only), MPEG IMX (D-10), XAVC (including XAVC-S), XF-AVC, and XF-HEVC.
Download Final Cut Pro now!