README.md
Comprehensive remote control and automation of Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro MCP Server
An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that provides comprehensive remote control of Final Cut Pro via AppleScript and JXA automation. Supports 99 tools covering editing, AI-powered features, color grading, 360/VR, and more.
Requirements
- macOS 15.6+
- Final Cut Pro 12.0+
- Node.js 18+
- Accessibility permissions for System Events (System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility)
Setup
npm install
npm run build
Claude Desktop Configuration
Add to your Claude Desktop claude_desktop_config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"finalcutpro": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/path/to/finalcutpro-mcp/dist/index.js"]
}
}
}
Tools (99 total)
Library & Project Inspection
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
get_libraries |
Get all open libraries with names, IDs, file paths, and event counts |
get_events |
Get all events within a specific library |
get_projects |
Get all projects within an event with sequence/timeline details |
Project Management
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
new_library |
Create a new library |
new_event |
Create a new event in the current library |
new_project |
Create a new project |
close_library |
Close the current library |
project_properties |
Open project properties/settings inspector |
snapshot_project |
Create a snapshot (backup) of the current project state |
duplicate_project |
Duplicate the current project with different settings |
Playback & Navigation
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
playback |
Control playback (play/pause, stop, play from start, selection, fullscreen, reverse, loop) |
navigate |
Timeline navigation (jump to start/end, next/previous edit/clip/marker/frame, forward/backward 10 frames) |
set_playback_speed |
Set playback speed (0.5x to 32x, forward and reverse) |
go_to_timecode |
Navigate to a specific timecode position |
Timeline Editing
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
blade |
Cut/split clips at the playhead position |
edit_insert |
Insert media (insert, append, overwrite, connect, replace modes) |
delete_selection |
Delete clips (ripple delete, replace with gap, selection only) |
clipboard |
Copy, cut, paste, paste as connected |
selection |
Select all, deselect all, select clip at playhead |
undo_redo |
Undo or redo actions |
trim |
Trim clip edges (start, end, to playhead, extend edit, join) |
nudge |
Nudge clips in any direction |
insert_placeholder |
Insert placeholder or gap clip |
create_compound_clip |
Create compound clip from selection |
create_storyline |
Create/collapse/lift connected storylines |
change_duration |
Open change duration dialog |
rename_clip |
Rename the selected clip |
detach_audio |
Detach audio from video, creating separate clips |
merge_clips |
Merge adjacent clips into one |
break_apart_clip |
Break apart compound/multicam clips into components |
adjustment_layer |
Add an adjustment layer above the current clip |
anchored_storyline |
Create and manage anchored storyline spines |
Effects & Transitions
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
add_transition |
Add default cross dissolve transition |
add_effect |
Add default video or audio effect |
add_color_correction |
Add color correction (color board, wheels, curves, HSL, HDR, etc.) |
add_title |
Add title (basic title, lower third) |
manage_effects |
Copy/paste/remove effects and attributes |
add_mask |
Add mask (shape, color, or AI object mask) |
effect_presets |
Save and manage color/video/audio effect presets |
AI / Machine Learning Features
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
object_tracking |
AI object tracking and segmentation masks using neural networks |
cinematic_editor |
AI cinematic mode editor for iPhone Cinematic video focus decisions |
detect_beats |
AI automatic beat detection and beat grid for music/audio |
transcribe_to_captions |
AI audio-to-captions transcription |
auto_reframe |
AI automatic reframing for different aspect ratios |
image_playground |
Apple's AI Image Playground for generating/editing images |
Speed / Retiming
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
retime |
Change clip speed (slow 50/25/10%, fast 2x/4x/8x, reverse, freeze, hold, ramps, rewind) |
retime_quality |
Set retime quality (normal, frame blending, optical flow, ML-based) |
show_retime_editor |
Toggle the retime editor panel |
speed_editor |
Advanced speed blade, custom speed, and conform speed |
Color Grading
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
color_board |
Full color board control (color/exposure/saturation tabs, pucks, nudge, reset) |
color_channels |
Change viewer color channel display (all, R, G, B, alpha) |
color_correction_nav |
Navigate between corrections, apply from previous clips |
match_color |
Match color between clips for consistent grading |
| `compare_fram |
Tools (5)
get_librariesGet all open libraries with names, IDs, file paths, and event countsnew_projectCreate a new projectbladeCut/split clips at the playhead positionobject_trackingAI object tracking and segmentation masks using neural networkscolor_boardFull color board control including exposure and saturationConfiguration
claude_desktop_config.json
{"mcpServers": {"finalcutpro": {"command": "node", "args": ["/path/to/finalcutpro-mcp/dist/index.js"]}}}Try it
→List all open libraries and their event counts.
→Create a new project in the current library.
→Apply a cross dissolve transition to the selected clip.
→Perform AI object tracking on the clip at the playhead.
→Set the playback speed of the current clip to 2x.