Q: “I am using Final Cut Express and iDVD.. How do I take advantage of chapter markers with iDVD?”
A: To export chapter markers for iDVD 3, you must first add chapter markers to your finished sequence in Final Cut Express. As you add chapter markers to your sequence, keep the following rules in mind:
- iDVD 3 can work with a maximum of 36 chapter markers.
- There must be more than one second between chapter markers.
- Chapter markers must be more than one second from the beginning or end of the sequence.
To insert chapter markers in your Final Cut Express sequence:
- In the Timeline, place the play head exactly where you want to place the marker.
- Choose Mark > Markers > Add, and then choose Mark > Markers > Edit to open the Edit Marker window. You can also do this by pressing the M key twice. Note: Make sure nothing is selected in the Timeline or the marker will be added to the clip, as opposed to the timeline, and will not be recognized by iDVD.
- Type a descriptive name for the chapter marker.
- Click Add Chapter Marker.
- Click OK.
- Repeat steps 1 through 5 for each chapter marker you want to include, up to 36.
- Choose File > Export > Final Cut Movie.
- A Save dialog box appears with export options for the movie.
- Choose Chapter Markers from the Markers pop-up menu.
- Type a name for your project and select a location for the saved movie. For more information on the other options in this dialog box, see the user’s manual for Final Cut Express. Note: To save time and disk space, make sure the “Make Movie Self-Contained” option is deselected unless you will be using the movie on a different computer.
- Click Save.
A Final Cut movie, which is a type of QuickTime movie, will be saved with the name you entered and the location you selected. This file will then be ready to be imported into iDVD 3.