Add lightning effects

Last updated on Jun 23, 2025

Learn how to create a lightning effect that appears over only a specific portion of your clip.

  1. Place a Transparent Video clip in a video track above the original clip.

  2. To insert a Transparent Video clip, right-click on an empty area in the Project panel, then select New Item > Transparent Video.

    The context menu Project panel is open and from the New Item dropdown menu, Transparent Video option id highlighted, demonstrating how to add a transparent video effect to a project timeline.
    Use the Transparent Video option to insert a transparent clip where you can apply the lightning effect.

  3. Locate the Lightning Effects in the Effects panel, then drag and drop it onto the Transparent Video clip.

    The Lighting Effects are selected in the Effects panel and applied to the transparent video clip in the timeline.
    Drag and drop the Lightning Effects onto the transparent video clip in the timeline.

  4. Adjust the Lightning Effects properties in the Effect Controls panel.

  5. Trim the Transparent Video clip to the duration needed for the appearance of lightning.

    The transparent video clip in the timeline is highlighted. This is the clip where the Lighting Effects were applied, and it has been trimmed and positioned to match the desired duration in the timeline.
    Use the trimming handles to adjust the clip and position it to match the desired duration in the timeline.