How to Apply Transitions

Transitions in VSDC have long stood out as a favorite among video editing tools. They masterfully create a seamless flow between scenes, transforming your videos into polished, professional masterpieces. Yet, for many users, especially those just starting out, applying and adjusting transitions seemed to be a challenge.

That’s why we decided to introduce a new method of applying transitions in VSDC 9.1 Our focus: simplicity and intuition. Now, you can apply transition effects to multiple files swiftly with a single click, avoiding unnecessary tabs on the timeline. While the traditional method is still available, this new approach offers an efficient alternative.

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Adding Transitions

1. Launch VSDC Video Editor and add two video files to the timeline, positioning them sequentially on the same layer.
2. Then you need to create a transition area by overlaying the files. Navigate to the timeline where you can use one of the three methods:

   Method 1: Create a Transition by Moving Files

   • Move Files: Press and hold the Alt key. Then, click and drag one file over another file on the timeline. You'll see a white line showing where the transition will be.
   • Watch Out for Timing Changes: Moving the file changes when it appears and disappears on the scene, which might mess up its timing with other files. If timing is important, try Method 2 instead.

   Method 2: Keep Files in Place and Extend Edges

   • Adjust File Edges: If you want to maintain the arrangement of files when applying transitions on the timeline without altering the timing of their appearance and disappearance sequence, hold down the Alt key and drag the edge at the end of the left file to the right or the edge at the beginning of the right file to the left, thus stretching its duration and overlaying it onto the adjacent file, defining the transition area.
   • Avoid Frozen Frames: When extending the duration of the file, a freeze frame may occur at the end. To fix this, use the Loop mode options (Method 2: Object Properties).

   Method 3: Handling Trimmed Files

   • For Left Files with End Trims: If you're working with a left file that's trimmed at the end and you want to avoid a frozen frame, you can restore some of the previously trimmed frames to create a transition area. Press the Alt and Shift buttons together, grab the end edge of the left file, and pull it to the right.
   • For Right Files with Beginning Trims: Similarly, if you're working with a right file that's trimmed at the beginning, you can restore the trimmed frames at this spot to create a transition zone and prevent a frozen frame. Press the Alt and Shift buttons together, grab the beginning edge of the right file, and pull it to the left.
   • Be Careful with Untrimmed Files: This method is specifically useful if the files have trims at the beginning or end. If there are no trims to restore, you'll need to resort to extending the file's end as described in Method 2 to achieve your transition without issue.
3. By overlaying files using one of the methods described above, you automatically create a Fade transition (its duration matches the transition area). Then you can change the transition effect. For this, access the Templates window (check our guide if you're unsure how to do this). Here there are two sections of transitions you can choose from:
   • Transition collection: These are double effects that are applied to the end of File 1 (Fade out) and the beginning of File 2 (Fade in);
   • Transitions: These are single effects (Fade in or Fade out respectively).
4. To apply a transition effect, click on it in the Templates window, hold the mouse button and drag it to the appropriate place on the timeline. The place available for a transition effect will be highlighted. To use the same transition on multiple files, select them all on the timeline after creating transitions areas and simply drag and drop the transition onto the scene from the Templates window.

Transition Effects Settings

You can adjust transitions either in the Basic effects window (the effects’ preview) or on the Timeline (advanced settings).

1. Basic effects window

   This window is generally located on the right from the scene and is easily accessible from the View tab on the Ribbon by selecting View/hide window under the Basic effects icon (however, make sure you have selected your file on the timeline to display the applied effects).

   Here there are the following options:

   • Transition properties: There are two square sections displaying the effect previews for the applied transitions. The left one is responsible for Fade in, the right one is for Fade out. To see the effects added to a certain part of the overall file, click on it on the timeline, so it appears in the preview. You can add or change a transition effect by dropping it to the corresponding preview section and remove it by clicking the “X” button right there.

     Another way to remove transition effects is to right-click on the Fade in/out previews to access removing options:

     • Remove fade in/out: This option removes the effect in the corresponding window (for single effects from the Transitions section);
     • Remove transition: This option removes both Fade in and Fade out.

     Please, keep in mind: with these removing options you are only resetting the previously applied transition to the default fade transition. To remove the transition completely, you need to remove the transition area on the timeline.

   • Duration Settings: This feature lets you define a maximum length for your transitions. Once activated and entered desired values, proceed to the timeline, and begin creating a transition zone. The editor will restrict you from setting a transition duration longer than what you've specified. This ensures that the file won't extend beyond the set limit onto the adjacent content.

   • Timeline

     Right-click on a transition area on the timeline to access these options:

     • Transition: Here you can set the last transition effect used, remove it or find it in the Templates or Preview window (for double effects).
     • Fade out: Here you can set the last Fade out transition effect used, remove it or find it in the Templates or Preview window.
     • Fade in: Here you can set the last Fade in transition effect used, remove it or find it in the Templates or Preview window.
     • View window…: This is an additional option to access the Templates and Basic effects windows.

Please, note: using cutting and splitting tools is unavailable within the area where a transition has been applied. Keep it in mind when editing and use these tools beforehands!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I dragged the transition, but nothing changed. What am I doing wrong?

Most likely, you dragged the transition not onto the junction between the clips, but onto one of them. Make sure you are moving the transition template precisely into the space between the two clips, indicated by a white diagonal line.

2. How to precisely adjust the transition duration?

To set a precise numerical value for a transition, after adding it, you need to perform the following actions:
- Click on the transition area on the timeline and go to the Basiс effects window;
- Check the box for the “Use max duration” option.
- Enter the precise numerical value in the field for the “Use max duration” option.
- Hover the cursor over the edge of the transition, hold down the Alt key and drag the transition edge to increase its duration (in this case, the program will not allow you to increase the transition duration beyond the value you specified in the field).
- If the current transition duration on the timeline exceeds the new maximum value, then when dragging the edge while holding the Alt key, the transition length will instantly reduce to the limit you set.
It is important to remember that the “Use max duration” parameter only limits the maximum duration value and does not restrict its minimum value.

3. Why can't I select or apply some transitions?

Most likely, you have selected transitions that are available in the Pro version of the video editor if you are using the free version or premium transitions that are purchased separately from the Pro version of the video editor.
Transitions available in the free version are displayed without any icons in the Templates window.
Transitions marked with a blue crown are Pro or premium transitions that are not downloaded to the program. You need to download them before use.
Transitions marked with a golden crown are downloaded and ready to use Pro or premium transitions.
Learn more about template categories: https://www.videosoftdev.com/en/premium-templates

4. How to understand if I'm using Premium transitions or Pro?

You need to open the Template preview window. If a transition in this window is marked with a gold crown, it's a Premium transition. If a transition is marked with a "Pro" label, these are transitions available in the Pro version of the video editor.

5. How to buy premium transitions?

Visit our Store to browse all collections of premium templates. You can read detailed descriptions, watch demo videos for each one, and then decide which collection to purchase. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Final Take: Practical Approach to Video Editing

VSDC 9.1 has significantly improved video editing with its user-friendly approach to transitions. With its emphasis on simplicity and intuitive design, it addresses the challenges that many beginners face. This new version allows you to apply cinematic transitions efficiently, significantly reducing the complexity of your editing process.

For additional guidance and tips, check out our YouTube channel, Twitter and Facebook. If you encounter any issues or have specific questions, our support team is always ready to assist at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..