importing graphics....

ok - next question:

i am importing PSD file graphics into a FCP project. when i open up the image in the viewer it looks crisp - though small. but when i look at it in the canvas it becomes larger and completely pixelated - any thoughts?

That could be because you have the Viewer and Canvas set to different sizes. Set both to Fit to Window, then use the Motion tab to control how big you want the graphic to be.