How to use Dropbox Replay with Apple Final Cut Pro

Dropbox Replay is a rich media review and approval tool that allows collaborators to mark up, comment, and finalize video, image, and audio projects. With the Dropbox Replay extension for Apple Final Cut Pro, you’re able to utilize the functions of Replay within Final Cut Pro. 

Features included:

• Add, reply, and resolve comments
• Synchronize playheads
• Upload file versions that sync to both applications
• Drag and drop to import Replay comments as markers into your Final Cut Pro timeline

How to install the Dropbox Replay app

The Dropbox Replay app is available to all users, and you must download it in order to use the Final Cut Pro integration.

To install the Dropbox Replay app:

1. Click the link to download Dropbox Replay. A window will appear prompting you to download the Dropbox Replay app. 
2. Click the Download for macOS button. 
   • A zip file will download to your computer.
3. Click the zip file to open it.
   • You’ll find the zip file in your browser downloads folder. 
4. Double click Dropbox Replay from the options displayed.
   • You’ll be prompted that Dropbox Replay is an app download. 
5. Click Open.
6. Log in with your Dropbox credentials to link your account to the Replay app. 

How to open the Dropbox Replay extension in Apple Final Cut Pro

The Dropbox Replay app includes a Final Cut Pro extension, so when you open Final Cut Pro, it automatically finds your Replay extension.

To open the Dropbox Replay extension in Apple Final Cut Pro:

1. Open Final Cut Pro.
   
2. Click the extensions button at the top left of the Final Cut Pro toolbar.
   • Notes: 
     • The extensions button only appears when extensions are installed.
     • If you only have the Dropbox Replay extension installed, the extension button will be the Replay icon (two black and blue arrows pointing left). 
     • If you have multiple extensions installed, the extension button will look like a puzzle piece.
3. Select Dropbox Replay from the dropdown list.
   • Note: When you open the Replay extension in Final Cut Pro for the first time, you’ll need to authorize access to your Dropbox account. 

A Replay window will open to your Workspace tab.

How to import comments from Dropbox Replay to Apple Final Cut Pro

You can import collaborator comments on your video file from Dropbox Replay to your same file in Apple Final Cut Pro. 

To import comments from Dropbox Replay to Apple Final Cut Pro:

1. Open your file in Apple Final Cut Pro.
2. Click the extension button at the top left of the Final Cut Pro toolbar.
3. Select Dropbox Replay from the dropdown list.
4. In the Replay window, open the Replay video file you’d like to import comments from. 
5. Drag and drop the Comments speech bubble icon at the bottom right of your Replay video into the Final Cut Pro timeline.

You can click any of the comment markers in the Final Cut Pro timeline to view comments made in Replay. You can also reply to comments in the Replay timeline from the Replay extension window.

How to synchronize playback in Dropbox Replay and Final Cut Pro

To synchronize playback in Replay and Final Cut Pro:

1. Open your video in Apple Final Cut Pro.
2. Click the extension button at the top left of the Final Cut Pro toolbar.
3. Select Dropbox Replay from the dropdown list.
4. In the Replay window, open the same video you have open in Final Cut Pro.
5. In the Replay window, click the Link playheads icon (chain link) at the bottom right. 
6. Click the Play button in the Replay window and the playback in Replay, and Final Cut Pro will sync to play both videos at the same time. 

Now you can click anywhere in the Replay timeline or on comment markers, and the video playback in the Final Cut Pro editor will stop at that same timestamp for you to make any changes.