Apply single-sided transitions

Last updated on Jun 23, 2025

Learn how to use single-sided transitions to change scenes without affecting nearby clips.

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Follow along with any project to learn how to apply a single-sided transition.

Transitions are typically double-sided, as they are applied to both clips. Single-sided transitions are only applied to a single clip, which is useful when you don’t have a clip handle.

Apply single-sided transitions to switch scenes without impacting adjacent clips.

Using single-sided transitions, you have more control over how clips transition.

For example, you can create the effect of one clip departing using the Venetian Blinds transition, and the next clip fading in using Cross Dissolve.

In the Timeline panel or the Effect Controls panel, a double-sided transition has a dark diagonal line through it, while a single-sided transition is split diagonally with one half dark and one half light.

The Timeline panel displays the double-sided transition between the first and second video, and single-sided transition at the end of the second video. — Apply single-sided or double-sided transitions to control how clips connect on the timeline.

A. Double-sided transition B. Single-sided transitions

To apply a single-sided transition, do the following:

In the Effects panel, find the transition you want to apply. Expand the Video Transitions or Audio Transitions bin. Then, expand the bin containing the transition you want to use.

The Effects panel is open and among the list of effects, the Cross Dissolve transition is highlighted. — Apply a video transition from the Effects panel for a single-sided transition.

To place a transition on a single cut, Ctrl + drag (Windows) or Command + drag (macOS) the transition into the Timeline panel. Release the mouse when you see either the End at Cut or Start at Cut icon.

End at Cut icon: Aligns the end of the transition to the end of the first clip.
Start at Cut icon: Aligns the beginning of the transition to the beginning of the second clip.

To preview the transition, play the sequence or drag the current-time indicator through the transition.

Note:

To place a transition at the end of a clip that is not next to another clip, drag and drop the transition. Don’t Ctrl + drag (Windows) or Command + drag (macOS). The transition automatically becomes single-sided.

Set and apply default transitions

Copy and paste transitions

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