# Frequently Asked Questions

Marker Data facilitates extraction from any conceivable timeline such as Projects and Compound Clips.

Extraction through the Share Destination encompasses both Marker metadata and images, whereas extraction via the Workflow Extension is limited to Marker metadata and does not include images.

In instances where Markers coincide, Marker Data will adeptly rectify any conflicts arising from overlapping Marker ID such as Timecode, Name, or Notes.

Marker Data will create unique Marker IDs through an automated process of appending a numerical suffix to both the Marker ID and the Image Filename.

Marker Data is intentionally configured to disregard any markers outside the primary active timeline. This deliberate choice is particularly pertinent in scenarios involving Compound Clips, where the potential for numerous nested structures exists. Parsing markers within each nested Compound Clip could introduce undue complexity.

Should you wish to extract markers from within a Compound Clip, a straightforward approach involves double-clicking the specific Compound Clip and exporting its associated timeline. In doing so, any markers nested within that particular Compound Clip's timeline will be excluded from consideration by Marker Data.

Employing a WYSIWYG methodology, Marker Data adopts an automated process wherein markers obscured within the timeline due to trimmed clips are inherently excluded.

FCPXImageExporter singularly focuses on the extraction of static images from source clips delineated by markers. This process, however, intentionally overlooks any post-effects and titles applied at both the timeline and individual clip levels.

In contrast, Marker Data adopts a comprehensive strategy by harnessing the output of the rendered timeline, alongside its associated FCPXML, to generate thumbnails encompassing both stills and GIFs. Additionally, the utilisation of a .csv, .tsv or .json format contributes to the creation of an all-encompassing Data Set.

Comparison matrix between Marker Data and FCPXImageExporter.

*Performance depends on your Mac's hardware. With Apple Silicon M2 or higher, results are significantly faster.
**Rendered Timeline

No. Contrary to negation, Producer’s Best Friend serves as a complement rather than a replacement. It stands as the optimal application for crafting comprehensive spreadsheet reports compatible with platforms such as Numbers, Excel, Preview, and others. This versatile tool adeptly encompasses diverse elements, including Video Clips, Audio Clips, Titles, Generators, Markers, Keywords, Effects, and Transitions.

In contrast, Marker Data specialises solely in the extraction of information pertinent to markers and their associated metadata. It confines its focus to this specific domain, providing a nuanced and refined functionality distinct from the broader spectrum covered by Producer’s Best Friend.

Yes. While Creator's Best Friend is compatible with both Premiere and Final Cut Pro, Marker Data is exclusively designed for Final Cut Pro. Unlike Creator's Best Friend, Marker Data not only supports the extraction of Chapter Markers but also Regular Markers as chapters. Optimised for precise frame extraction, Marker Data can handle timelines with fewer than three markers and durations shorter than ten seconds.

Yes. Within Marker Data, you have the option to export Data Set in two fundamental formats, namely .csv and .tsv. These exported Data Sets are located within Export Destination folder. Subsequently, you possess the flexibility to import either the .csv or the .tsv files into any compatible application of your choice.

Marker Data is designed to always extract and upload all column data. However, during the upload process, Marker Data will internally verify the table schema of the destination database (either Notion or Airtable) against the manifest .json file. If any column has been removed in Notion or Airtable, Marker Data will automatically skip uploading that column. Therefore, it is recommended to customise your database directly in Notion or Airtable rather than editing the .json file. Users can easily duplicate the provided templates and modify it according to their preferences.

Every project is different. But you can utilise this basic example.

XYZ701_150_010 - COOPER APPEARS NEAR PLANET SATURN

• XYZ is a 2-6 character code for the show or movie name
• 701 is a 3 digit episode number. For a standalone movie that is not episodic, any three digit number will suffice
• 150 is the scene number
• 010 is the shot number for the specific VFX shot within the scene
• COOPER APPEARS NEAR PLANET SATURN is the descriptive name of the shot

Regrettably, despite the capacity to import and export FCPXMLs within DaVinci Resolve, the compatibility of Marker metadata is not integrated into the FCPXML format.

The official API provided by Notion currently lacks the capability for direct image uploads and the seamless merging of page icons. Furthermore, it does not offer support for automatic linking or the creation of new entries in relation columns based on their respective values. The prospect of revisiting and updating our internal components will be considered as Notion continues to expand and enhance the functionality of their APIs.

At present, our primary emphasis lies in the steadfast support and enhancement of integration capabilities with Notion and Airtable—two widely acclaimed platforms embraced by users and companies across the global Film and TV industry. The development of robust internal components for both Notion and Airtable has demanded a significant investment of time and effort.

Should you have specific use cases or preferences for other platforms, we encourage you to initiate a discussion. It is essential to note that the incorporation of additional platforms will be contingent upon the availability of compatible API libraries.

Certainly, such an endeavour is within our purview. As we continue to refine and advance our Library, the augmentation of Profiles is a definite consideration for future.

If you require a specific feature for Marker Data that falls within the scope of the application, please contact us here for advice and a quote.

We are not associated with, nor do we have any affiliation with, Notion or Airtable in any capacity.

Marker Data can be seamlessly integrated with both the free plans of Notion and Airtable, as there are no technical constraints imposed by Marker Data on such usage. However, it is important to consider the limitations inherent to the free tiers of these platforms. Specifically, Notion's free plan restricts uploads to a maximum of 5MB per file, while Airtable's free plan imposes a limit of 1,000 records per base.

Marker Data is compatible exclusively with macOS Ventura (version 13) or later due to Apple's policy of releasing new software features only for the latest version of their operating system. Although these features could technically work on older systems, Apple does not support such compatibility. This poses significant challenges for developers, who are then faced with the choice of either devising extensive workarounds or limiting support to newer OS versions.

As an independent developer, we have chosen to support only macOS Ventura and later versions to avoid the complexities and time-consuming nature of these workarounds. This decision is a matter of practicality and efficiency, not a reflection of a lack of effort or dedication.

Marker Data has not been extensively tested on Intel-based Macs. Both our internal Notion and Airtable client binaries are built natively for the ARM64 architecture. While it is technically feasible to create universal binaries that support both Intel and Apple Silicon, doing so would necessitate incorporating additional dependency libraries, which could adversely affect upload performance. Starting with Marker Data version 1.1.0, application is exclusively build and optimised for Apple Silicon only.

Marker Data is designed to operate solely on your computer, without any collection of personal information. All processes and data manipulations occur locally, ensuring that your sensitive information remains confidential and secure. However, it's important to note that when you choose to upload data to platforms such as Notion, Airtable or Dropbox, your information is subject to their respective privacy policies. We encourage you to read and familiarise yourself with their security & privacy policies to understand how they handle your data. Rest assured, our commitment to privacy means you can enjoy the benefits of our application without compromising your personal data.

The decision to offer Marker Data free of charge stems from a commitment to democratising access within the filmmaking community. Unlike many software solutions that impose subscription models or steep perpetual license fees, Marker Data prioritises inclusivity. Whether one is a burgeoning student filmmaker or a seasoned professional embarking on a feature project, Marker Data stands as a readily accessible resource. By removing financial barriers, the aim is to ensure that all individuals can benefit from its features without concern for monetary constraints. Moreover, by fostering a culture of contribution and support, users are encouraged to engage with Marker Data and, if they find value in its offerings can choose to contribute as sponsors. Ultimately, this approach not only facilitates seamless integration into Final Cut Pro workflows but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration within the filmmaking sphere. You can sponsor us if you find Marker Data useful or would like to see more features added.