How transitions are created in Final Cut Pro

Transitions require overlapping video from the clips on each side of the edit point. A one-second transition requires one second of video from the end of the left clip and one second of video from the start of the right clip. When you apply a transition to an edit point, Final Cut Pro attempts to use additional video from each of the clips to create the overlap. These additional (unused) sections of clips are called media handles.

The example below shows range selections in a clip in the browser, and the portions of the clip that will become media handles when the range selections are edited into the timeline.

A selection in the browser with media handles on both ends, and another with no start media handle

The media handle video may not be appropriate for use in a transition. For example, if the media handle includes unusable video such as a slate, it will be visible in the project.

The illustration below shows how transitions are created when the clips on either side of the edit point have media handles. The transition is placed so that it spans the clips; half of the transition overlaps each clip. Unused media from the end of each clip is added to fill out the transition, and the total duration of your project is unchanged.

A transition created from clips that have media handles

If one or both of the clips do not have enough extra content (media handles) to support a transition of the default duration, you’re given the option to overlap media in your project to create the transition. If you choose to overlap media, Final Cut Pro uses the available media handles and then overlaps media as necessary to create the transition.

The illustration below shows a transition created without media handles. The two clips are made to overlap, and the transition is placed over the overlapping region. This is effectively a ripple edit, and the total duration of your project decreases.

A transition created from clips that have no media handles

This same option is available for audio crossfades. See Create an audio crossfade using the Modify menu.

To learn how to set the default duration for transitions, see Set the default transition in Final Cut Pro.

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Final Cut Pro X User Guide

How transitions are created in Final Cut Pro