A transition is a visual effect applied between two clips to smooth or stylize the change from one shot to the next.
Transitions go beyond the simple cut by adding a visual bridge between two clips. The most common transition is the cross-dissolve, where one shot fades out while the next fades in, creating a brief overlap. Other popular transitions include wipes, slides, zooms, and more elaborate motion-based effects. Each type carries its own visual connotation and emotional subtext.
In professional filmmaking, transitions are used sparingly and with intention. A dissolve often implies the passage of time, while a fade to black can signal the end of a chapter. Overusing flashy transitions can make a video feel amateurish, so experienced editors choose transitions that serve the story rather than distract from it.
When reviewing video projects, pay attention to how transitions contribute to the overall tone. A corporate brand video might use clean, minimal transitions to convey professionalism, while a dynamic social media reel might employ fast wipes and zoom cuts to maintain energy and engagement.
A cross-dissolve is a transition where one clip gradually fades out while the next clip simultaneously fades in, creating a brief moment of visual overlap.
A cut is the most basic edit in video production — an instantaneous transition from one clip to the next with no visual effect between them.
The timeline is the primary workspace in a video editor where clips, audio, effects, and transitions are arranged sequentially to build a project.