Time Overlay guide
How to add a transparent countdown timer in Final Cut Pro
To add a transparent countdown timer in Final Cut Pro, import a Time Overlay PNG sequence and connect it above your primary storyline - Final Cut treats it as native alpha media. WebM playback inside Final Cut has historically been inconsistent on macOS, so the recommended path on the Mac side is PNG sequence: quality is master-grade and alpha is unambiguous.
Recommended Time Overlay export: PNG sequence is the dependable path on macOS.
Step 01
Export the overlay
In Time Overlay, pick a duration that aligns to your edit beat and a style preset that fits your project. Export 'PNG Sequence' from the export panel.
Step 02
Import into Final Cut Pro
File -> Import -> Media -> select the first frame and let Final Cut auto-detect the image sequence. The overlay arrives as a single clip with the transparency preserved.
Step 03
Stack above the primary storyline
Drop the overlay on a connected layer above your base footage. The countdown shows transparent over the shot below with no further setup.
Step 04
Resize and align
Use the Transform controls to scale and reposition. Final Cut respects alpha across Color and Compressor delivery, so you can encode for delivery without losing transparency.
Time Overlay tips
If you want a true ProRes 4444 master with alpha, unzip the Time Overlay PNG sequence export and run the bundled `convert-to-prores.sh` script. Final Cut imports ProRes 4444 natively as transparent media.
Not sure which export format to pick? Compare every transparent overlay format by editor and browser support.