Unlocking a MOTI File Locked by Developer

Question

Unlocking a MOTI File Locked by Developer

I have a title with neon effects that I have made extensive mods to within FCP to get it to look the way I want it. This includes custom colors in the neon effects, custom size for boxes, custom fonts, etc., all using the controls provided with the title. The file was part of the Century - Ultimate Neons package which I purchased some time ago. Saving it from the time line within FCP using the Save All Format and Appearance Attributes does not work. It does not save the custom colors, text box size, drop zone image, etc.

I cannot open the file in Motion because it says the file has been locked by a 3rd party developer. How can I unlock the moti file so I can open it in motion, make my changes there and save it as a new file?

Posted on Oct 25, 2025 3:08 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BenB

Level 6

13,142 points

Oct 25, 2025 5:42 PM in response to Old_Video_Guy

If the developer locked it, you're not allowed to mess with it. Contact the developer and ask them if they can help you. They're the only one's who'll be able to do it.

The Save function you mentioned only works for parameters native to the Inspector, not for plugins with published parameters. That's just how FCP is made.

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Answer 2

Oct 26, 2025 6:29 AM in response to fox_m

PERFECT! Fox_M, your Compound Clip suggestion worked perfectly and does exactly what I need. Thank you so much!

With the relatively simple editing that I do, I had never before used a compound clip. I certainly learned something new today, and I'll have to see how the use of Compound Clips might improve my workflow in the future.

Now...how do I delete the presets I saved when I attempted (several times!) to use the Save All Format and Appearance Attributes to save this graphic? I don't need them now, but I don't recall where those presets are saved.

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Answer 3

fox_m

Level 6

13,232 points

Oct 25, 2025 5:58 PM in response to Old_Video_Guy

From your custom formatted Title, create a Compound Clip (automatically saved to your current Event). Apply the compound clip to your storyline where needed and type Command-Shift-G to "Break Apart Clip Items". From there you only need to change your text.

A locked template is locked for a reason — to keep unscrupulous people from copying the original work of the template creator and publishing/selling it as their own. (It happens more than you think!) I, for one, would like to keep that information under wraps.

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Answer 4

fox_m

Level 6

13,232 points

Oct 26, 2025 8:43 AM in response to Old_Video_Guy

You should find them in:

Your Home folder / Library / Application Support / Motion / Library / Text Styles

Make sure you also remove the .png files with the same names as the .molo files (the .molo extension is not likely to seen — you can Right Click > Get Info and check extensions if necessary).

If you created a custom subcategory, you should see that Folder inside Text Styles as well.

Restart Final Cut after deleting the files to clear out the Styles menu.

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Answer 5

Oct 26, 2025 9:23 AM in response to fox_m

I found 'em. Thank you - AGAIN!

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