Is there an effect in fcp x that lets me open a letterbox. For example the start of a video. I want to use letterbox to open the scene and one to close it

Thx in advance

I recently submitted one as a free download to the app store, once it goes through the acceptance process I'll let you know.

Here's a quick and simple template that might work for you:




You can choose either a horzontal open or a vertical one via a pop-up menu. You can control the speed of the open and the spede of the close at the other end. You can also choose to feather the edge of the "letterbox".

Just thinking, you might not want to give up your search just yet. This one only does a fill aspect in a 16:9 frame and the letter box doesn't go full opaque.

If it's a 16:9 letter box in a 4:3 frame you want it won't be any use. What is it you need?

There you go, Simon was posting at the same time as me. Hopefully that will suit your needs.

Well, actually mine might not work either as it does open all the way up so if he's looking for an open to a matted result it wouldn't be right.

But hey, you can't allow for all eventualities

If not try this one then, It has 16:9, 3:2 & 4:3 snapshots that kick in automatically depending on which project type you put it in. The opacity of the letter box is rigged and the and letter box position has been too. So you can key frame the letterbox to open/close as wide/narrow/slow/fast etc. as you like. It's only horizontal though.

If you really want it vertical let me know and I'll make some adjustments in a way that won't cause issues on a re-install of the effect.

What's up with the posts with no comments? Or is it just me seeing this?

My last post had content and a link last night after I posted it, but this morning it's blank for me too. Actually, now I'm typing the reply the content shows in the "Topic History of: Letterbox Effect". Do you see everything there?

Here's a copy and paste from the history list incase it won't show up again.

Our server got hit by an attack last night and was offline for 2 hours. That might explain why some of the posts have gone missing

Perfect! Thats exactly what i needed, thx for the help guys!!