Transitions, as the name implies, allows you to “transition” from one clip to another. While a transition is typically used to “transition” from one scene to the next, it can also create some creative animation on an asset. Drag-and-drop a transition (e.g., Slide Right and Slide Left) on the FRONT or BACK of an asset. You can also drag-and-drop a transition to the MIDDLE of an asset to apply the transition to BOTH sides.
TIP: If at all possible, use a behavior or a transition instead of an animation to create an "animated" effect. They are easier to use and update than using animation effects. For example, add a callout and then apply a transition effect (e.g., Flip, Circle Stretch, Fold, Ripple, Slide Left, Slide Right, Stretch, Cube Rotate, Dissolve, Radical Dissolve, Blind, etc.)
There are three ways to add a transition:
Drop a transition effect AT THE START or END of a video clip to apply the transition to either end.
Drop a transition in the MIDDLE of a SINGLE clip to add a transition to the start AND end of the clip.
TIP: This is useful for adding a transition to a TITLE page and is even more useful if you add it with a behavior.
Drop a transition BETWEEN two clips that are touching, it will be added to the end of the first clip and the start of the second clip and will BLEND between the two clips for that transition. This creates a smooth transition between two different clips. TIP: If you select several or all the clips FIRST and then drag-and-drop a transition to the middle of one of the selected clip, the transition will be applied to all the clips at the same time.
Once you add a transition, you don't have to delete it to replace it with a new one. In the Properties panel, simply change the transition type. Or, you can replace a transition with another transition, by dragging another transition on top of the previous one.
TIP: Use the Cube Rotation transition between a video click and an arrow callout to create a unique animation effect.
TIP: You can select multiple clips and then right click a transition in the Transitions panel and select Add to Selected Media to add that transition to the end and start of the media.
PRO TIP: Fade IN the INTRO and Fade OUT the OUTRO for more of a professional finish to the video.
PRO TIP: Do not FADE between an A Roll and a B Roll.
PRO TIP: Transitions should have a purpose. The most common transitions that are used are fade or black-to-white and 3D cube. In some cases, a transition is not needed at all—a simple cut will do the trick.
PRO TIP: Transitions should be added at the end of the video process, so they do not add additional works if the clips change.
PRO TIP: You can right-click on a transition in the Timeline and select Reverse Transition to have the transition (e.g., Whip Spin) animate in the opposite direction.