Text and shapes are cool, but what gives your edits that “wait, that was clean” vibe? Transitions and effects.
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
✅ How to use transitions without overdoing them
✅ The top effects every editor should master
✅ When and how to stack effects for a unique style
✅ Simple tricks that make your content feel premium
Let’s get into the sauce.
Clean Transitions, Not Cringe ✂️
Most editors either overuse transitions or avoid them completely. Here’s how to do it right:
▶ Use Scale, Position, and Opacity keyframes to build your own custom transitions
▶ Combine that with motion blur and Easy Ease (F9)
▶ Keep transitions short — 8 to 20 frames is the sweet spot
Example:
▶ One clip slides out to the left, next clip slides in from the right — add some blur and boom, it feels intentional
Must-Know Effects 🎛️
You don’t need 100 plugins. Just master a few key ones:
✅ Gaussian Blur – Smoothens motion and transitions
✅ Glow – Adds pop to shapes, text, and UI elements
✅ Drop Shadow – Gives layers depth without looking fake
✅ Turbulent Displace – Great for glitchy or warpy effects
✅ CC Light Sweep – For sleek logo shine reveals
Apply them by:
▶ Going to Effects & Presets panel
▶ Typing the effect name
▶ Dragging it onto your layer
Stacking Effects Like a Pro 🧠
It’s not about adding more — it’s about adding smart.
▶ Add Gaussian Blur + Glow to a logo = cinematic feel
▶ Combine Turbulent Displace + Opacity flicker = glitch effect
▶ Add Fill + Drop Shadow on a shape = UI pop
Tip: Use Adjustment Layers to apply effects to multiple clips at once. Saves time and keeps your timeline clean.
▶ Go to Layer > New > Adjustment Layer
▶ Place it above your clips and apply effects there
Blend Modes = Instant Style 🎨
Blend modes change how layers interact visually.
▶ Select a layer
▶ In the Timeline, click the Toggle Switches/Modes button
▶ Change Normal to Screen, Multiply, or Overlay and see the magic
Perfect for adding light leaks, textures, or color washes.
Sound Matters Too 🔊
A slick transition without sound = meh.
▶ Add subtle wooshes or hits from free sound packs
▶ Sync them with keyframe moments for pro-level energy
Quick Recap 🧼
✅ Build custom transitions using basic properties
✅ Blur, Glow, and Drop Shadow are your best friends
✅ Adjustment layers = cleaner, smarter workflows
✅ Blend modes = easy stylization
Next: Exporting & Rendering — how to deliver clean, sharp videos without the headache. 💻