What are video transitions?

A transition is a visual effect you can apply at the start, end, or in-between scenes of individual clips.These transitions are a critical tool for filmmakers and video editors because they enable a seamless flow from one scene to the next. 

Video transitions can range from simple cuts to more complex effects like cross dissolve, wipe transitions, or zoom transitions. They’re not just about moving from one scene to the next—they also help convey changes in the story, like the passage of time, movement between locations, or a complete storyline shift.

Because of their ability to shape the feel and flow of the story, the role of video transitions in cinema and editing is monumental. For example, a well-executed “whip pan” instantly transports the audience to different locations, while a “glitch” effect might signify a disruption in the storyline. 

Different transitions have the ability to create a powerful emotional response from your audience. So let’s explore some of the most common editing techniques. 

Types of video transitions you need to master, with examples

Do you create video content and want to grow an audience? Mastering a variety of video transitions is essential. Here’s a detailed list of 12 common video transition effects, complete with examples.

1. Cut

The cut is the most straightforward and commonly used video transition. You’ll likely find it in most video editing projects. A cut is an immediate switch from one clip to another, without any special effect or time delays in between scenes. 

Think of it like turning a page in a book and going directly from the end of one paragraph to the beginning of another—no interruption necessary. One of the best things about cut transitions is that they’re flexible. They’re usable in virtually every type of video context, anywhere from fast-paced action sequences to dialogue-driven scenes. 

Cut transitions keep the flow of your video steady, which makes them perfect for maintaining the mood between one scene and the next. 

How to do it: Depending on the video editing software you use, it can be as simple as placing two clips next to each other on the timeline or clip editor.

With Descript, you can edit cut scenes with ease. It’s like rearranging the structure of a paragraph: copy the section you want to cut to, then paste it where you want it— all from the transcript. 

You can also break this section into its own scene for more editing options. Use the “/” key to break your script into scenes, and then arrange visuals the same way you’d work with slides.

‍Example: Almost every film uses cuts to depict ongoing scenes. Here’s an example of several cuts from The Devil Wears Prada:

2. Fade in/fade out

The fade in/fade out transition is a classic technique where the image gradually appears from a black screen (fade in) or gradually disappears into a black screen (fade out). This transition is often used to signify the beginning or end of scenes, which help create a clear demarcation between different parts of a video or film. It’s a more deliberate transition compared to the cut, because it adds a touch of drama and emotion to the scene.

These fades serve as breathers, giving the audience a moment to absorb what they’ve just witnessed before moving on to the next part of the narrative.

How to do it: Apply the fade In/out effect from your video editing software’s transition library.

Descript comes with a few built-in transitions including:

• Fade
• Crossfade
• Cross-blur
• Cross zoom
• Directional wipe
• Star wipe
• Dip to color

You can apply a transition to either a scene or a clip. Here’s how to do it from the Descript dashboard: 

1. Click on the scene’s thumbnail.
2. Tap the + icon in the Transitions section of the properties panel and choose a transition.
3. Select the Adjust icon to view and adjust the transition properties from the properties panel.

Example: One iconic example of the fade in/fade out transition is in the movie The Godfather, by Francis Ford Coppola. The film uses the fade in transition to introduce new scenes and fade out to signify the end of significant sequences, often paired with the movie’s brilliant score. 

3. Crossfade (dissolve)

The crossfade, also known as dissolve, is a transition where one clip gradually fades into the next, creating a seamless blend between two scenes. This transition is commonly used to indicate a passage of time or a change in location, adding a layer of emotional or thematic depth to the video. 

Unlike abrupt cuts, a crossfade provides a smoother, more natural transition, making it ideal for moments that require subtlety or emotional nuance. Whether you’re working on a sentimental montage or transitioning between different parts of an interview, the crossfade is a versatile tool that adds polish and flow to your video editing.

How to do it: Choose the crossfade or dissolve effect from your transition library and place it between two clips.

With Descript, you’re able to apply fade-ins, fade-outs on any type of layer, and create crossfades between adjacent clips within a layer. 

From the Descript dashboard, just drag a transition handle in the timeline.

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Example: Check out this crossfade example from the movie Citizen Kane.

4. Wipe

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The wipe transition involves one scene being “pushed” off the screen by another, as if wiped away. This transition is often used to signify a change in location or the passage of time. The transition is a lot more noticeable, which is what makes it perfect for action or fantasy genres where quick and dramatic changes are part of the storytelling.

How to do it: Choose the wipe effect from your transition library and place it between two clips. Here’s how to do it with Descript: 

1. Click on the scene’s thumbnail you’d like to add the transition to. 
2. Tap the + icon in the Transitions section of the properties panel and choose the directional wipe transition.
3. Select the Adjust icon to view and adjust the transition properties from the properties panel.

Example: The wipe transition is used famously in Star Wars to transition between scenes.

5. Star wipe

There are many kinds of wipe transitions — the wipe can slide from the center to the outer edges, it can open in a circle, or it can wind around like the hands of a clock. But perhaps the most infamous wipe is the star wipe, which transitions between scenes with a star that expands from the center of the frame. 

Because the star wipe is associated with the age of VHS tapes and cable infomercials, it gives a video a dated, campy feel, which can work well in comedy clips or in scenes set in the late 20th century. 

How to do it: Use the star wipe effect between your clips. Here’s how to do it with Descript:

1. Click on the clip you’re editing.
2. Navigate over to the transitions drop-down menu.
3. Choose Star Wipe from the menu. 

Example: In the show Better Call Saul, Saul Goodman used star wipes liberally in his TV commercials — a symbol of both his low budget and the show’s early aughts timeline. 

6. L-cut and J-cut

The L-cut and J-cut transitions involve audio leading the video or vice versa. In an L-cut, the audio from the first scene continues as the video cuts to the next scene. In a J-cut, the audio from the next scene starts before the video cuts. 

These transitions are often used in dialogue scenes or interviews to maintain a natural flow of the narrative and keep the audience engaged in the conversation.

How to do it: It helps to edit the audio and video tracks separately to achieve this effect. With Descript, you can use the timeline editor to overlay clips, add music, and adjust the timing of your transitions by clicking and dragging each element across the timeline.

Example: Check out this great explainer video with the film The Wolf of Wall Street:

7. Match cut

A match cut is a creative transition where a visual element in the first scene seamlessly matches a visual element in the next. This transition is often used to draw parallels or contrasts between scenes, adding a layer of thematic depth. 

It’s best for moments where you want to create a strong visual or thematic connection between different parts of your video.

How to do it: Plan your shots carefully and place the matching frames next to each other. In Descript, it’s as easy as dragging and dropping the exact clip you want to overlay and adding a fade out transition. 

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Example: The match cut used in 2001: A Space Odyssey of the bone and the spaceship might be the most famous example of this transition:

8. Iris in/iris out

Imagine a scene appearing or disappearing through a round opening, almost like an eye opening or closing. That’s the iris in/iris out transition. This is a more stylized transition you frequently see in older films, including cartoons. 

It’s used as a way to add a touch of whimsy or nostalgia to a scene. The iris cut is best for moments that require a more theatrical or dramatic flair.

How to do it: Apply the iris in or iris out effect from your transition options in your video editor.

Example: Check out a few examples of how it’s used in popular cartoons below. 

9. Zoom in/zoom out

The zoom in/zoom out transition gives the impression of the camera moving closer to or farther away from the subject. This transition is often used to focus on a specific detail or to reveal a broader context. 

It’s best for documentaries or educational videos where you want to draw attention to a particular subject or object. For example, a zoom in could focus on a person’s face during an emotional interview, while a zoom out could reveal the crowd they are speaking to.

How to do it: With Descript, you can simply do the following:

1. Click on the clip you’re editing.
2. Navigate over to the transitions drop-down menu.
3. Choose Zoom from the menu. 

Example: Check out this compilation of several different scenes using the zoom transition.

10. Split screen

The split screen transition displays two or more scenes simultaneously on the screen. This is often used to show different perspectives or parallel actions happening at the same time. It’s best for action-packed sequences or to show simultaneous events in storytelling. 

How to do it: Here’s how to put two videos side by side with Descript:

1. Drag both of your video clips into the timeline editor.
2. Place one of your clips directly on top of the other in the timeline editor to create an overlay.
3. Then, adjust the relative size of the videos by clicking and dragging the corner of each one in the video pane to make the frame larger or smaller. You can also click the “crop” tool to trim the sides of the video. Adjust each until you’re happy with the results.

Example: You can find this transition in films like Kill Bill during fight scenes to show both the protagonist and antagonist’s actions at the same time.

11. Flashback/flash forward

The flashback/flash forward transition depicts a jump in time—either to the past or the future. This transition is often used in storytelling to give background information or to foreshadow future events. It works best for narrative films or TV shows where the timeline is a key part of the plot. 

How to do it: There’s no one right way to create a flashback effect—so don’t be afraid to play with different transitions. Use a distinct transition like a fade to white or a ripple dissolve; even an iris out effect can work. Play around with the options in Descript’s Transitions drop-down menu: for example, the cross-zoom transition can help create a flashback effect between two clips. 

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Example: Here’s how the makers of Ratatouille achieved the flashback effect. 

12. Parallax effect

The parallax effect involves different layers of the video moving at different speeds, creating a sense of depth. This transition is often used in animated films or video games to create a 3D effect. It’s best for moments where you want to add a sense of depth or dynamism to a 2D scene. 

How to Do It: Separate your video into different layers and move them at different speeds. Use Descript’s timeline editor to do this with ease by overlaying clips at different speeds. 

Example: In the following YouTube video, the creator generated a parallax effect using only still images.

Tips to master video transitions

Mastering video transitions is more than just dragging and dropping effects onto your timeline. Consider some essential tips to elevate your video editing skills from meh to pro. 

Understand the purpose and context

Before you even start adding transitions, understand why you’re using them. Are you trying to indicate the passage of time, switch locations, or maybe you want to add some dramatic tension? 

For instance, a cross dissolve effect might be perfect for showing a character’s emotional change, while a whip pan could be used to switch quickly between different locations. Always align your video transitions with the storyline’s intended emotion or the message you’re trying to transmit.

Keep it subtle and seamless

Less is often more when it comes to video transitions. Overusing flashy transitions like glitches or special effects can distract from the video content. 

Stick to common transitions like cuts or fades for most of your film, and save the more complex transitions for moments that truly need to be highlighted. Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Descript offer a range of subtle presets that can make your transitions seamless.

Practice timing and rhythm

The timing of your transitions is crucial. Make them too fast, and you risk jarring your audience; too slow, and you lose their attention. This is where sound effects help guide the rhythm of your transitions. 

For example, a well-timed sound effect makes a simple cut more impactful. This is where video editing software makes your life a lot easier. It often comes with built-in tools to help you match cuts and maintain the flow of your videos.

Experiment and learn from others

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of transitions. Platforms like YouTube offer countless tutorials from seasoned video creators who freely share their best editing techniques. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re into vlogs, music videos, or post-production, there’s a world of knowledge available online. It’s always a great idea to take inspiration from others and make it your own.

Descript has tons of step-by-step YouTube videos so you can start editing your content even if you’re a beginner. Check out this quick tutorial on how you can add transitions to your video content: 

Master video editing with Descript

The transitions in your videos tell a story of their own. With Descript, you can ensure that your story is exactly what you want it to be. 

Using Descript as your editing sidekick, you’re able to cut and trim videos with ease, add your favorite transitions between clips with its drag-and-drop dashboard, and overlay everything from images, text, and background music without having to reach for any extra tools. 

It’s how thousands of video creators are already streamlining their editing workflow with Descript as their all-in-one tool. 

Check out Descript and start video editing today. 

Video transitions FAQ

What are the best transitions for videos?

The best transitions vary by project but some of the most common ones include cross dissolve for emotional scenes and whip pans for fast-paced videos.

What are the most common transitions in video?

Simple cuts, cross dissolves, and fade ins/outs are the most commonly used transitions in video editing.

How do you transition in a video?

To transition in a video, use video editing software like Descript to drag-and-drop your chosen transition effect between clips on the timeline.