ripple edit

The default type of trim in Final Cut Pro is a ripple edit (also called a ripple trim), which adjusts a clip’s start point or end point without leaving a gap in the timeline. The change in the clip’s duration ripples outward, moving all subsequent clips earlier or later in the timeline.

An illustration showing a clip being shortened and subsequent clips moving earlier

Similarly, if you delete a clip from the timeline, subsequent clips ripple earlier to close the gap. Ripple edits affect the trimmed clip, the position of all subsequent clips in the timeline, and the total duration of your project.