Newb question about cross dissolve

G

Gregr

Member
I've just started to learn FCP- this is day two. I've got some clips imported and right now I'm creating a very short sequence with basic cross dissolves between the clips. Sometimes when I try to adjust the length of the dissolve it works and sometimes it doesn't. I'm adjusting the length by right-clicking on the dissolve in the timeline and then selecting duration. In the window that opens I change the time... and sometimes it works and sometimes it sticks at (reverts back to) 14 frames. I'm sure I'm missing something basic but I can't figure it out. I'd appreciate some help with this- thanks!
Greg
 
Something Basic:

FCP handles cross fades (any transition) with handles... media beyond the in/out points of your media on the timeline.

So -- if your in point starts at the first frame of the clip you won't be able to add a transition on it. Change the in point to somewhere later in the clip.

Remember for a standard 30 frame transition you need 15 frames of handle after the out point on the outgoing clip and 15 frames of handle before the in point of the incoming clip.

Now -- there are ways around this... putting the incoming clip on an upper V-track or changing the direction of the transition to start or stop on the edit point etc... or what I like to do use the Slip and Slide tool.

But first get a grip on the handles.

Good luck,

CaptM
 
Thanks very much- I think I understand... if I go back and put some extra time on the beginning of these clips I'll be able to get the dissolve to last longer. Will go try that now, and then I'll explore the other options you mentioned. Lots to learn that's for sure.
 
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