I have a simple two layer PS file that does not stay layered in FCP.
I import the file into FCP and I see the little stacked layers icon in the thumbnail in the Browser. I then drag that layered file from browser to timeline.

I double click to expand and it shows the two layers, I move, animate (using transform) add a few transitions to both layers (CrossDisolves) and everything is good. The layer icon still on the thumbnail in browser. And when I play the file IN the browser, that reflects the changes made.

The problem happens when I switch to the Project I'm working on so I can add that layered clip, the layer icon from the thumbnail disappears and the animation doesn't play correctly. In addition, I can no longer double click to open the layered clip to reveal any layers,

Any ideas????

Thanks for your help.

I just found that if I create a compoud clip of the two layers when those are open from the layered file, the CC seems to hold the layer thing together. Odd.

Is the file saved as 8-bit RGB?
The last time I checked, FCP X could not handle either 16-bit files or CMYK files.

“drag that layered file from browser to timeline.”

Drag it to what timeline? That’s a project. You put it inside another project. Double click the stacked file in the browser to open it.

File is 8 bit rgb.

I meant to say drag from browser to Project.

I am wondering if I need to do my edit/animation from the clip in the browser 1st.

Let me try something....

I Import two layer PS file into Browser, Double click to show layers, move things about, add a few transitions. I then click the "Back" arrow on top of project which brings me back to project that I want to add layered file.

I add layered clip from Browser to my main Project.. I then tweek the layers, click the "Back" arrow on top of Project and then I notice that the layer icon disapears, and I am now longer able to double click anywhere to reveal the layers. Weird!

OK. I just got this to work: If I select the clip that USED to have the layer icon and then go to Clip> Open Clip, that shows me my layer content in the clip. Something must have changed since I thought I was able to double click on a layered file and it would open and I could edit and then go back.

I don't understand why my layer icon is disappearing though.

Can you give a screen shot of the "icon" before and after?

I just followed your workflow, and didn't have any issues at all.

Know that once you drop it into a Timeline, you created a copy, that Timeline copy and the Browser original will not reflect the same thing, they're independent of each other.

Also, if you double-click in the Timeline, and it won't open, hit "A" to verify you have the Select tool active. Other tools won't do it.

You may want to hold Command and Option at the same time while launching FCPX and delete the Preference files, soo if that helps.

… way too lazy to re-enact your workflow, Jonathan (for days >32°C here…)), but by description, with all your manipulations of it you 'transform' a layered still into an animated clip, esp. a compound clip - which, Ben explained, behaves differently, when altered in timeline (read in the Manual about Independent and Parent CCs)

help.apple.com/finalcutpro/mac/10.4.1/#/verca9e8d33

… guess, you could optimize your workflow, screwing stills, clips, compounds here&there (own timeline, storyline, browser, project) …

Just to clarity, I was not working with a Compound Clip, I was working with a Layered Graphic Clip, different things. No parent / child relationships with them.

Hi everyone.

I figured out what I was doing wrong based on your input.

What works:

Import Layered PS file. Drag PS "clip" from Browser to Project. Double click clip in Project to reveal layers. move, Add transition, keyframe, etc. there. Click Back button in Project pane. Plays perfect, and I can also trim end to desired length. File in Browser still shows layer icon.

What doesn't work (at least for my use)

Import PS layered file. Then in the Browser, double-click layered file to reveal layers in Project. Add transition, keyframe, etc. there. Click Back on Project window. Browser version of PS file loses the layer icon.

So I'm probably an idiot, but bottom line I think is to first add layered file to project , THEN double click in project to edit that.

Not sure where I got confused........

Yours truly. Dizzy.

OK, when you open it from the Browser, you're working on the Browser version, which has no relationship to the version you copied to your timeline. So hitting the Back button in the timeline is taking you back to a different, unrelated copy of it.