How can I mount shared folders from my NAS into Final Cut Pro X?

Newer versions of Final Cut Pro X (10.3 and later) support the SMB3 protocol. SMB3 supports faster data transfer speeds, better compatibility, file sharing, asynchronous multi-user collaboration, and real-time video editing directly from your NAS. Earlier versions of Final Cut Pro X (earlier than 10.3) do not support the SMB3 protocol, but must instead mount shared folders using the NFS protocol.

More detailed information about Final Cut Pro X can be found here: https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/whats-new/

• Enabling the SMB Protocol in QTS (Final Cut Pro X 10.3 and later)
• Enabling the NFS Protocol in QTS (Final Cut Pro X earlier than 10.3)
• Mounting shared folders with Qfinder Pro
• Mounting shared folders with macOS
• Adding shared folders to Final Pro X

Enabling the SMB Protocol in QTS

QNAP recommends using the SMB protocol when working with Final Cut Pro X 10.3 and later, but both the SMB and NFS protocols can be configured in QTS. If using earlier versions of Final Cut Pro X the NFS protocol must be used. More information can be found at: Enabling the NFS Protocol in QTS.

1. Log in to your NAS with an admin account.
2. Go to Control Panel > Network& File Services > Win/Mac/NFS > Microsoft Networking > Advanced Options.
   The Advanced Options window opens.
   
3. Go to Highest SMB version, then select SMB 3.0.
4. Click Apply.
   
5. Optional: Edit Shared Folder Permissions.
   1. Go to Control Panel > Privilege > Shared Folders.
   2. Locate the folders being shared, then click the Edit Shared Folder Permission button.
      The Edit Shared Folder Permission window opens.
      
   3. Select Microsoft Networking host access.
      
   4. Click Add, then enter the host or IP addresses accessing the folder.
   5. Click Apply.
      

Enabling the NFS Protocol in QTS

1. Log in to your NAS with an admin account.
2. Go to Control Panel > Network& File Services > Win/Mac/NFS > NFS Service.
3. Select Enable NFS v2/v3 Service and Enable NFS v4 Service.
4. Click Apply.
   
5. Optional: Edit Shared Folder Permissions.
   1. Go to Control Panel > Privilege > Shared Folders.
   2. Locate the folders to be shared, then click the Edit Shared Folder Permission button.
      The Edit Shared Folder Permission window opens.
      
   3. Select NFS host access.
      
   4. Select Access right.
   5. Go to Permission, then select read/write.
   6. Click Apply.
      

Mounting shared folders with Qfinder Pro

1. Start Qfinder Pro, then click Network Drives.
   
2. Select the protocol type from the menu.
   1. Final Cut Pro X (10.3 or later): Select SMB/CIFS.
   2. Final Cut Pro X (earlier than 10.3): Select NFS (Final Cut Pro).
      
3. Click OK.
   The folder selection window opens.
4. Select the shared folders to mount, then click OK.
   

Mounting shared folders with macOS

1. In Finder, go to Go > Connect to Server.
   The Connect to Server window opens.
   
2. Enter the protocol and NAS IP address.
   1. Final Cut Pro X 10.3 or later: Use smb:// before the NAS IP address.
   2. Final Cut Pro X earlier than 10.3: Use nfs:// before the NAS IP address.
      
      
3. Click Connect.
   The folder selection window opens.
4. Select the shared folders to mount, then click OK.
   

Adding shared folders to Final Pro X

1. Open Final Cut Pro X, go to File > New > Library.
   
2. Enter the library name, then select the folders shared from your NAS.
3. Click Save.
   
4. Optional: Change Library settings
   1. Go to File > Library Properties.
   2. Click Modify Settings to set storage locations for the library.
      A window appears.
   3. Set storage locations for the library:
      • Media: Selecting a folder shared from the NAS will improve file management, and reduce the size of your project library.
      • Motion Content: Selecting In library will allow you to integrate Motion Content with the project.
      • Cache: Selecting a folder shared from the NAS will improve file management, and reduce the size of your project library.
        More detailed information on these settings can be found here: https://support.apple.com/kb/PH17905
5. Click Import Media, then import files stored on the shared folders.
   Optional: Select Leave files in place to work with the files directly from the NAS.