🎬 15 MacBook Hacks for Video Editors (Final Cut Pro + DaVinci Resolve)

🎬 15 MacBook Hacks for Video Editors (Final Cut Pro + DaVinci Resolve)

SLIM MARIO July 19, 2025



MacBooks are already powerful—but with the right hacks, video editors can squeeze out even more speed, control, and creativity.

Whether you’re using Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve, these MacBook hacks will help you edit faster, render smoother, and make your workflow feel professional, even on a base model M1 or M2 MacBook.

Let’s dive into the best MacBook tips and tricks for video editors in 2025.








🚀 1. Use External SSD for Projects (Avoid Internal Clutter)

Always save large video files and projects to an external SSD like the Samsung T7 or SanDisk Extreme.

Benefits:

  • Speeds up your MacBook's performance

  • Keeps the internal SSD clean for system tasks

  • Reduces the risk of macOS lag during rendering

💡 Pro tip: Format the drive as exFAT or APFS for best compatibility.










🔌 2. Turn On Background Render (Final Cut Pro)

In Final Cut Pro, go to:

Preferences > Playback > Background Render

✅ This allows your MacBook to automatically render your timeline while you're editing, saving time when it’s time to export.







🎞️ 3. Use Optimized/Proxy Media

Both Final Cut and DaVinci allow proxy media generation.

  • In Final Cut: Go to File > Transcode Media > Create Proxy Media

  • In DaVinci Resolve: Use the Proxy Generator App to auto-convert files

This makes playback buttery smooth on MacBook Airs and lower-spec models, especially when editing 4K.








🎯 4. Set Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow by customizing keyboard shortcuts:

In Final Cut:

Final Cut Pro > Commands > Customize

In DaVinci Resolve:

DaVinci Resolve > Keyboard Customization

🎬 Assign keys to:

  • Ripple Delete

  • Add Marker

  • Toggle Snapping

  • Export Frame







🌈 5. Use Metal Optimized Effects (FCPX)

Final Cut plugins that are Metal-optimized will use Apple Silicon more efficiently.

Check plugin websites like MotionVFX or Pixel Film Studios for Metal-compatible effects, LUTs, and transitions.








🧠 6. Enable Render Cache (DaVinci Resolve)

In DaVinci Resolve:

Playback > Render Cache > Smart

This lets Resolve pre-render heavy nodes or FX when idle, improving playback without slowing you down.

📂 Also, set your cache location to your external SSD.






🔒 7. Disable Background Apps

Close or pause:

  • Google Chrome

  • Dropbox

  • OneDrive

  • Slack

  • Spotify

Use Activity Monitor (Cmd + Space → "Activity Monitor") to quit memory-hungry apps.







🧰 8. Use BetterTouchTool for Custom Gestures

Install BetterTouchTool to map your trackpad or Magic Mouse gestures to editing commands.

Example gestures:

  • Three-finger swipe → Cut

  • Tap the left corner → Undo

  • Four-finger tap → Play/Pause

Perfect for editors who don’t like reaching for keyboard shortcuts all the time.







🎛️ 9. Use FCPX AutoDuck or DaVinci Fairlight for Fast Audio Edits

Both apps have built-in tools to make quick sound edits:

  • Final Cut Pro: Use Auto Ducking via Audio Inspector

  • DaVinci Resolve: Use Fairlight > Track Automation

🎧 These let you automatically lower music under voiceovers or boost dialogue with keyframes.






🔍 10. Use Spotlight for Instant File Access

Press Cmd + Space and type:

  • Project name

  • Video clip

  • Audio track

No more digging through Finder.





🧹 11. Use CleanShot X for Feedback/Thumbnails

Use CleanShot X or the built-in screenshot tool to:

  • Snap frames for thumbnails

  • Annotate for client feedback

  • Grab B-roll images for promotion

📸 Frame grabs = perfect thumbnails.







🎥 12. Install Final Cut & Resolve Together (Yes, They Coexist)

Both apps can run perfectly on one Mac. Final Cut is faster for quick edits, DaVinci is better for color grading and collaboration.

Use Final Cut for:

  • YouTube

  • Fast-turnaround edits

Use DaVinci for:

  • Commercials

  • Films

  • Advanced grading








🧊 13. Enable Low Power Mode When Rendering Overnight

In System Settings > Battery, turn on Low Power Mode when rendering at night. This reduces thermal stress while keeping rendering stable.

Great for M1/M2 MacBooks that heat up on longer exports.







🔋 14. Use Activity Monitor to Check RAM & GPU Usage

Open Activity Monitor and go to:

  • Memory tab → Check swap usage

  • GPU tab → Monitor if Resolve/Final Cut is maxing out your GPU

If swap memory is high, consider upgrading RAM or offloading heavy tasks.







🧱 15. Free Up Space Using Terminal Cleanup

Run this command in Terminal to clear system junk:

sudo purge

(Enter your password when prompted)

Or use CleanMyMac X for a safer GUI-based cleanup.







💡 Bonus: Use DaVinci’s Cut Page for Fast Social Edits

DaVinci’s Cut Page is optimized for speed. Use it to:

  • Auto-sync audio

  • Do fast cuts for TikTok, Shorts, Reels

  • Preview edits in vertical mode








✅ Conclusion: Power Up Your MacBook for Video Editing

Whether you're a YouTuber, filmmaker, or social media editor, these MacBook hacks will:

  • Speed up your exports

  • Optimize battery and performance

  • Make editing smooth, even on base M1/M2 models

Final Cut + DaVinci = 💪 Combo when used right.



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