KeyFlow Pro 2.4

Keyflow Pro is a scalable media manager. In this respect, the application comes in quite handy for such operations as storing, sorting, searching, previewing and sharing a large number of media files.

Luckily, there is an evident effort by its developers to make this tool as user-friendly as possible. However, due to its large number of features, it seems logical that it should take some time before you feel comfortable using it. Unfortunately, there are not so many tutorials available, which would have contributed to flatten the learning curve.

Keyflow Pro has a great graphic user interface, which has been carefully designed to meet the needs of the most demanding users. In this regard, it is good that the buttons, such as Import, New, Share and Workflows, correspond to the intended workflow. Likewise, there are tabs to help you conveniently navigate through your projects and libraries.

The application supports two main modes, with distinctive workflows. First, there is Single User mode (or Standalone), which runs by default. You should start by creating a local library and then feed it with media. Luckily, you can import files not only manually but also automatically by copying them to the Live Folder. Good news is that you can have the tool automatically generate low-resolution previews, which means that you can still work when the source files are offline.

Second, in Team mode, you can begin by creating a library, the same way you did it in the Single User mode. Next, you can configure sharing options and add user accounts, which let you share your library with other clients. Thus, other users can start populating the desired library remotely. Again, it is possible to create previews.

It is great that KeyFlow Pro integrates seamlessly with various video-editing tools, including Final Cut Pro X, Final Cut Pro 7 and Premiere Pro CC. Similarly, it can import transcript files (Final Cut Pro XML and SubRip SRT). There is also a workflow extension you can install on Final Cut Pro X. As for media, although the application supports multiple media types, it may fail to import some specific extensions and codecs.

All in all, KeyFlow Pro is highly recommended for managing media assets. The product can be bought from the Mac App Store at a reasonable price. However, you should be aware that the price only covers Single Usage mode, which means you should buy the Server Expansion Pack as an in-app purchase. Similarly, additional costs may be involved in getting the Unlimited FCPX Library Import as well as various user client packs.