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Perform J cuts and L cuts

Last updated on Dec 14, 2023

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Learn how to make J and L cuts to keep video and audio flowing seamlessly across scenes.

J and L cuts are typically used during dialog scenes to smoothly transition between two scenes or shots with different audio content. Both are a type of split edit, or a scene transition from one scene to another, where the audio and visuals shift at different times. J and L cuts derive their names from the shapes they create on the post-production timeline.

J cut

In a J cut, the next scene’s audio plays before the image changes. This creates an anticipation effect and can be useful when introducing a new character or location before the visual cue appears.

L cut

In an L cut, the audio from the previous scene continues to play over the video of the next scene. This creates an overlapping effect, which helps maintain continuity and creates a smooth transition between scenes.

_{Learn how to use J and L cuts for dialog scenes.}

Before you begin

Create a project, add media, and build a sequence on the timeline.

Disable Linked Selection by clicking on the icon in your Timeline panel to independently select the audio or video.
Use the Ripple Edit Tool to remove space between the clips.
- To make a J cut edit, select and drag the preceding clip to where you want the next clip's audio to overlap with the footage.
- To make an L cut edit, stretch the video footage of the next clip over the audio track of the preceding clip.