FCPXML MCP
MCP server for Final Cut Pro: read and edit .fcpxml timelines, rough cuts, markers, transcripts and export to other editors
- 149 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Extended access
Why this level
- The server writes changes into project files, so a backup is needed before work
- Pushing into a running Final Cut Pro uses Apple events and controls an external program
Install
- Works in
In your terminal, with SkillFoxx CLI
npx skillfoxx add mcp/fcpxml-mcpDetects the agents on your machine, shows the access level and pins the version.
Other ways to install
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- The server writes changes into project files, so a backup is needed before work
- Pushing into a running Final Cut Pro uses Apple events and controls an external program
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
FCPXML MCP connects Claude to Final Cut Pro through `.fcpxml` and `.fcpxmld` files. The server reads a timeline and returns it as exact rational-time JSON, and a client with MCP Apps support draws it inline in the chat: lanes, thumbnails, markers, transcript words and a playhead. There are fifteen tools grouped into 102 operations: trims and splits, silence removal, markers from transcripts and beats, rough cuts, keyframes and speed ramps, transcript edits, cross-editor export and a push into a running Final Cut Pro. Every write is journaled with a sha256 hash and can be undone. The `deliver` tool refuses an unreviewed cut, `expected_sha256` rejects a file that changed under the model, and generation follows a quote then confirm flow under a per-call cap. The repository has 182 adversarial-input tests, `defusedxml` parsing and sandboxed writes.
Who it is for. Video editors on Final Cut Pro who want an agent to handle routine work: markers, silence cleanup and rough cuts, and developers of editing automations.
Good fit when
- Markers must be placed on cuts and roles assigned for dialogue, music and effects
- Silence and pauses have to be removed from the timeline
- A rough cut is assembled from a transcript by keywords
- A project must be handed over to another editing program
Not a fit when
- You do not use Final Cut Pro: the server works with files of this format
- You need final creative editing that an agent will not replace
- The source project has no backup: edits are written to the file and undo is best tested first
Example request
Open my timeline.fcpxml export, place a marker on every cut and assign dialogue, music and effects roles to the clipsMCP
- Transport
- stdio
- Authentication
- not required
Environment variables
FCP_PROJECTS_DIRrequired
Limitations
Python and the package through `uvx fcp-mcp-server` are required, and the `FCP_PROJECTS_DIR` variable points to the projects folder. The project is exported from Final Cut Pro with File, Export XML. Pushing into a running Final Cut Pro uses Apple events and works only on macOS. Material generation is paid and goes through third-party providers under a per-call cap. The last commit is dated November 2, 2026.
How to disable. Remove the server with `claude mcp remove fcpxml` or delete the entry from the client configuration, then optionally delete the `fcp-mcp-server` package and the operation journal in the projects folder.
FAQ
How do I connect the server to Claude Code?
With `claude mcp add fcpxml -e FCP_PROJECTS_DIR=~/Movies -- uvx fcp-mcp-server`, then exporting a project from Final Cut Pro.
Can edits be undone?
Yes, every write is journaled with a sha256 hash and can be undone.
How many tools does the server have?
Fifteen grouped tools covering 102 operations.
Does the server work without Final Cut Pro running?
Yes, it edits `.fcpxml` and `.fcpxmld` files. Pushing into an open Final Cut Pro is needed only for live import.
Which operations does the server offer?
Trims and splits, silence removal, markers from transcripts and beats, rough cuts, keyframes, speed ramps and export to other editors.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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Comparison with similar tools
Cards that share the main search query, and how they differ.
| Tool | Official | Authentication | Repository stars | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCPXML MCP (this card) | no | not required | 149 | |
| DaVinci Resolve MCP | no | not required | 4,088 | works with Final Cut Pro FCPXML files and keeps an undo journal |
| MCP for Adobe Premiere Pro: editing through an agent | no | not required | 525 | edits Final Cut Pro timelines and leaves Adobe projects alone |
README in short
The README presents the server as a way to edit Final Cut Pro by conversation and see the result on the timeline. It makes three promises: see it, cut it, trust it. It continues with the install command, project export steps, a proof section with a real recording and descriptions of keyframes and speed curves.