Chapter 7. Using Transitions

IN THIS CHAPTER:

44 About Transitions

45 Fade In or Out of a Video Clip

46 Add a Video Transition

47 Add an Audio Transition

48 Save a Custom-Designed Transition

One thing that can really make your video appealing is the way you transition, or move, from one clip to the next. If you haven't already done so, start paying attention to your favorite movies and TV shows. They will not only give you some ideas on how to transition from scene to scene, but what kinds of transitions to use where. I love to watch documentaries (this was not the case before I embarked on the video-editing trail) and see how professionals such as Ken Burns do their thing. When you think about it, a home movie is very much like a documentary.

In this chapter, you will be using two basic types of transitions: single-sided and double-sided. A single-sided transition is used when there is no clip to transition from or to or when the clips are on different tracks. A double-sided transition is used between two clips. In both cases, the transition helps create a smooth flow into or out of a clip.

Premiere Elements comes with more than 70 transitions. You can customize each one and add effects, making the effective list of transitions virtually infinite. Transitions, much like the right soundtrack, are a great way to keep the audience interested in your movie. They can be a lot of fun to play with, and they add a real professional touch. But let me warn you: Too many transitions will make your viewers' heads spin and ruin even the best production, so use them sparingly.