How to Troubleshoot Red Screens

3 min. readlast update: 02.21.2025

What causes a red screen?

There are a few things that can cause a red screen. Listed below are potential causes:

  • The FxPlugs used to run the plugin were deactivated by a glitch, OS, or FCP update, and need to be relaunched.
  • Your system is missing some FxPlug apps required for the plugin to run in Final Cut Pro.
  • Your MAC OS and/or FCP versions are not compatible with the product.
  • You are using an outdated version of the plugin.
  • An issue occurred during the Export of the project and apps need to be rerun.
  • The version of the plugin you originally used on the project is out of date and has been discontinued or replaced with a newer version. This specific situation can be troubleshooted through this page here: https://pixelfilmstudios.kb.help/red-screens-in-old-projects/

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How do I fix a red screen?

 

1. Check if your system meets the OS and FCPX minimum requirements

Navigate to the product page and click the System Requirements section below the video, description and compare the requirements to your system.

If you don’t meet the requirements, you will need to update either Final Cut Pro, MacOS, or both in order to use the plugin.

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2. Use the FxRun in the PFS App

You can use the FxRun function in the PFS App to relaunch the plugins first before attempting to uninstall the plugins and reinstall them. This works in most cases.

If you don't have the PFS App you can get it here free:
https://store.pixelfilmstudios.com/pfs-app/

Start by making sure Final Cut Pro is closed. Then, launch the PFS App and go to the Settings panel at the bottom left of the App. In the settings panel there is a button called FxRun. Click it and this will run all PFS applications you have installed.

After it is has finished there will be a pop up window saying it has finished and to close the window. Then open Final Cut Pro to test the plugin(s).

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3. Uninstall and reinstall the plugin

Manual Plugin Uninstall: For any plugins that are not working please uninstall the templates only by deleting the plugin folders "Pixel Film Studios - Name Of Plugin" from the Titles, Generators, Effects, and Transitions folders where they are installed.

In finder: 
Macintosh HD > Users > Your User > Movies > Motion Templates > (Titles, Generators, Effects, Transitions)

*Do not delete the Titles, Generators, Effects, or Transitions folders, only delete the plugin you want to remove from these folders.

Easy uninstall: In the PFS App, go to the My Products section and locate the problem plugin. Press the more options button represented by [...] and press Uninstall. This will quickly uninstall the plugin.

To Reinstall: Simply press the green Install button and the PFS App will take care of the rest.

Launch FxPlugs After Installation: Please make sure FCPX is closed. Click the Account Settings Tab in the lower left of the PFS APP. Next, click FxRun. You should see some apps flash in the dock for a moment, this is normal. This should only take a few seconds. Once it's done, reopen FCPX to test the plugins.

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4. Reach out to Customer Service for further assistance.

If you’re still having issues we recommond reaching out to customer service for further assistance. You can email support at support@pixelfilmstudios.com or submit a ticket through this link:

https://store.pixelfilmstudios.com/submit-ticket/

 

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