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 cut is the foundational building block of film and video editing. When one shot ends and another begins without any overlap, dissolve, or effect, that is a cut. Despite its simplicity, the timing and placement of cuts are what give a film its rhythm, pacing, and emotional impact. A well-placed cut can heighten tension, deliver a punchline, or seamlessly guide the viewer's attention.
There are many specialized types of cuts used in storytelling. A jump cut removes a section of a continuous shot to compress time. A match cut connects two visually similar compositions to draw a thematic link. A smash cut abruptly switches between two contrasting scenes for dramatic or comedic effect. Each serves a distinct narrative purpose.
For clients commissioning video work, understanding cuts helps in reviewing edits and providing meaningful feedback. Rather than saying a video "feels off," you can identify whether the pacing of cuts needs adjustment or whether a particular transition would better serve the story.
A J-cut is an editing technique where the audio from the next clip begins playing before its video appears, creating a smooth audio lead-in.
A jump cut is an edit that removes a portion of a single continuous shot, causing a visible "jump" in the subject's position or the scene's continuity.
An L-cut is an editing technique where the audio from the current clip continues playing after the video has transitioned to the next shot.
A match cut is a transition between two shots where the composition, movement, or subject matter in one shot visually mirrors the next, creating a seamless or thematic connection.