Final Cut Pro is one of the most powerful tools for video editing available for macOS users. While it offers advanced features and professional-grade editing capabilities, there may come a time when you need to uninstall it—whether to free up disk space, troubleshoot issues, or switch to another editing tool.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to uninstall Final Cut Pro properly and ensure that all associated files are removed from your system.
1. Why Uninstall Final Cut Pro?
There are several reasons why you might want to uninstall Final Cut Pro from your Mac:
- Free Up Disk Space: Final Cut Pro and its associated files (libraries, projects, and media) can take up a significant amount of storage.
- Troubleshooting Issues: If the software isn’t functioning correctly, a fresh reinstall might resolve the problem.
- Switching to Another Editor: You may decide to use alternative video editing software like Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.
Regardless of your reason, uninstalling Final Cut Pro requires more than just dragging the app to the Trash.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstall Final Cut Pro (video tutorial included)
Follow these steps to remove Final Cut Pro and its associated files from your Mac completely.
Step 1: Quit Final Cut Pro
Before uninstalling, make sure that Final Cut Pro is not running.
- Open the Apple Menu and select Force Quit.
- Choose Final Cut Pro from the list and click Force Quit if it is still active.
Step 2: Move Final Cut Pro to the Trash
- Open the Applications folder in Finder.
- Locate Final Cut Pro in the list.
- Drag the Final Cut Pro icon to the Trash or right-click and select Move to Trash.
At this point, the application is removed from your Applications folder, but its associated files and libraries remain on your system.
Step 3: Delete Associated Files
To completely remove Final Cut Pro, you’ll need to delete its associated files, including preferences, libraries, and caches.
- Delete Preferences and Settings:
- Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G to open the Go to Folder window.
- Enter
~/Library/Preferences/and click Go. - Look for files starting with
com.apple.FinalCutProand delete them.
- Remove Cache Files:
- Open Finder and use the Go to Folder feature again.
- Enter
~/Library/Caches/and locate Final Cut Pro-related files. - Delete folders or files associated with Final Cut Pro.
- Delete Application Support Files:
- Navigate to
~/Library/Application Support/. - Find the Final Cut Pro folder and delete it.
- Navigate to
- Remove Render Files and Libraries:
- Final Cut Pro libraries and render files are stored in your default Movies folder unless you’ve saved them elsewhere.
- Open Finder and go to the Movies folder.
- Delete any Final Cut Pro libraries, projects, or render files you no longer need.
Step 4: Empty the Trash
- Once you’ve removed all associated files, right-click the Trash icon in the Dock and select Empty Trash.
- Confirm the action to permanently delete Final Cut Pro and its files from your Mac.
3. Alternative Method: Use a Third-Party Uninstaller
If manually locating and deleting associated files seems tedious, you can use third-party tools to uninstall Final Cut Pro completely. These apps scan your system for all related files and remove them in one go.
Popular options include:
- AppCleaner: A free tool that identifies and deletes app-related files.
- CleanMyMac X: A paid tool offering more advanced cleaning and optimization features.
Steps to Use AppCleaner:
- Download and install AppCleaner from its official website.
- Open AppCleaner and drag the Final Cut Pro app into the window.
- Review the list of associated files and click Remove to uninstall Final Cut Pro entirely.
4. Things to Keep in Mind
- Back Up Important Projects: Before uninstalling Final Cut Pro, ensure you’ve backed up any important libraries or projects to an external drive or cloud storage.
- Confirm Deletions: Double-check that you’re deleting only files related to Final Cut Pro, especially if other apps share the same directories.
- Reinstalling Later: If you decide to reinstall Final Cut Pro, you can download it again from the Mac App Store.
5. FAQs About Uninstalling Final Cut Pro
1. Can I reinstall Final Cut Pro after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall Final Cut Pro anytime from the Mac App Store if you’ve purchased it with your Apple ID.
2. Does uninstalling Final Cut Pro delete my projects?
Uninstalling the app does not automatically delete your projects, libraries, or media files. However, you must manually delete these files if you want to free up storage.
3. How much space does Final Cut Pro take up?
The app itself requires around 3 GB, but additional storage is needed for libraries, media, and render files, which can quickly accumulate into hundreds of gigabytes.
4. Can I use another video editor after uninstalling Final Cut Pro?
Absolutely! Alternatives like Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or CapCut are excellent options for video editing.
5. Will uninstalling Final Cut Pro improve my Mac’s performance?
If Final Cut Pro libraries and render files are taking up significant disk space, uninstalling them can free up resources and improve your Mac’s performance.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Final Cut Pro is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure all associated files are removed. Whether you’re freeing up space, troubleshooting, or switching to another video editing tool, this guide provides all the steps you need to uninstall Final Cut Pro completely. By following this process, you can keep your Mac running smoothly and reclaim valuable storage space.
