How to import into Final Cut Pro

Export from Simon Says and import directly into FCPX

Jan 23, 2022

Update: we now have a native Final Cut Pro Extension that makes transcribing and editing so much faster. Download it here.

If you are working with Final Cut Pro X (or any other non-linear editing software), you can now transcribe your interviews in Simon Says and directly import the bookmarked clips, or even the entire audio/video file organized into clips, into your post-production software.

Here’s how:

Follow the video how-to or the written instructions below. To see the video subtitles in a different language, click on the settings icon in the video and select an available language from Subtitles/CC. To see a demo video on how to use the FCPX extension, go here.

1. Once your media file (that is, the audio or video file you uploaded) is transcribed in Simon Says, click the Export button.

Click Export

2. A pop-up will appear (like in the image below). Select “Final Cut Pro X” from the options.

Select “Final Cut Pro X” from the options

Click “Let's do this” and download the ZIP file. Unzip it and you will find an *.fcpxml file.

3. Open Final Cut Pro X. Then go to the “File” menu, “Import” sub-menu, and click “XML…”:

Open Final Cut Pro X. Then go to the “File” menu, “Import” sub-menu, and click “XML…”

4. In the next window, it will ask you to select the XML file. Navigate to the folder on your computer where you downloaded and unzipped the XML file. Select it.

In the next window, it will ask you to select the XML file

5. It is now time to Relink Files which you can get to from the File Menu.

Relink Files which you can get to from the File Menu

6. When the Relink Files window pops up, click “Locate Selected…” and navigate to the media file you uploaded to Simon Says.

Click “Locate Selected…” and navigate to the media file you uploaded to Simon Says

7. TaDa! The Final Cut Pro X sequence will connect to the reference media file and you will see a timeline with the corresponding clips and the transcripts that align with what you saw (and heard!) on Simon Says.

The Final Cut Pro X sequence will connect to the reference media file

A successful FCP X import looks like the above with a project that contains the clips you selected and the associated transcripts and speakers for each clip.

A successful FCPX import

Notice the speaker label (if you assigned them in Simon Says) and transcript associated with each clip.
Close Up on where the transcript appears in FCP X:

Notice the speaker label and transcript associated with each clip

A few more example shots of what a successful project looks like:

A successful import in FCPX
A successful import in FCPX
A successful import in FCPX

Now how much time will this save in identifying the right quotes in the right clips for your edit?!

To get started with transcribing and exporting with Simon Says, sign up and get 15 minutes of free transcription credits.

*If you have multiple files in your Simon Says project and you want to bring each one directly into FCP X, you will need to follow the above Export steps (starting at Step 1) for each file individually.

Related Help Articles:

Auto-sync timecode and frame rate
Best Practices for importing Multicam and Sync clips with the SS FCP X Extension
Can I purchase in advance and prepay for transcription / translation credit?
Can I translate my subtitles within the FCP Extension?
Export burnt-in subtitles/caption in FCPX
Features of the Simon Says Mac app (a visual guide)
How can I use the transcript editor?
How-to: Caption & Title FCP Projects
How-to: getting started with the FCP X Extension (video)
Optimizing your FCP X Ranges XML
Steps to install/uninstall our FCP X Extension / MacOS app
Supported Imports (FCP X Ext/Mac app)
Visual Subtitle Editor