As a video editing enthusiast and mobile content creator, I have over 5 years of experience using CapCut to edit videos shot on my phone. CapCut is one of the most user-friendly and full-featured mobile video editors available. With its wide range of professional tools, CapCut makes it easy to transform average looking clips into compelling, high-quality videos.
One of my favorite features in CapCut is its collection of video transitions. Applying transitions between clips is an impactful way to add polish and dynamism to any video project. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps for adding and using video transitions in CapCut’s mobile app.
Table of Contents
Accessing the Transitions Menu
To start adding transitions, first open the CapCut app and begin a new project or open an existing video that you want to edit. Once inside the main editing interface, tap on the transitions icon in the menu along the bottom of the screen. This brings up the transitions menu where you can browse and select transitions to use in your video.
Browsing the Available Transitions
CapCut comes equipped with dozens of different transitions in various styles. Scroll horizontally through the transitions menu to view thumbnail previews of each option. Tapping on a transition preview will display a sample clip using that transition so you can get an idea of how it will look.
Transitions are organized into categories like Basic, Glitch, Spin, Zoom and many more. Feel free to explore all the creative transition choices! I recommend shortlisting a few favorites that suit the style and mood of your video project.
Adding Transitions to the Timeline
Once you’ve picked the transitions you want to use, it’s time to add them to your edit.
Tap on a transition in the menu so that it is highlighted. Then tap on the video clip in your timeline where you want to apply this transition. The transition will be inserted between this clip and the preceding clip.
You can tap to add transitions between any two adjoining clips on the timeline. Get creative with mixing and matching different transitions throughout your video!
Customizing Transition Length
By default, transitions are set to 1 second in length. But you can easily trim them to be shorter or longer.
Tap on the transition on the timeline so it becomes highlighted. Then drag the round handles on either side of the transition to adjust where it begins and ends relative to the clips on either side.
Setting transitions to different lengths – some short and quick, some longer for more of a dramatic effect – can help add nice variety and dynamics to your overall video.
Reordering and Removing Transitions
As you build up your edit, you may decide you want to move transitions around or delete those you don’t need anymore.
To move a transition, tap and hold on it in the timeline, then drag left or right and release to drop it between whichever clips you want.
If you want to remove a transition entirely, tap to select it, then tap the trash can icon. The transition will be deleted from your edit.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with adding and arranging transitions during the editing process until you achieve the pacing and effects you desire!
Using Transition Effects for Creative Edits
In addition to straightforward crossfade transitions between clips, CapCut includes more complex transition effects like zoom, spin, swipe, glitch and more. These can be used for cool, dynamic edits in your video.
For example, if jumping between two similar scenes, try adding a smooth Zoom Out transition from clip A into a Zoom In transition on clip B to indicate the camera is pulling back from one scene and pushing into another.
Or get funky with glitch transitions sprinkled throughout a fast-paced sequence to give it some digital flair. Spin and swipe transitions also work nicely when transitioning between clips shot from opposite angles or directions.
The key with these effects is to use them intentionally and sparingly. An overabundance of wild transitions can make your video feel too busy or amateurish. But when applied judiciously in the right spots, creative transitions can really make your edits pop!
Best Practices for Using Transitions
Through extensive experimentation over the years, I’ve developed some best practices for working with transitions in CapCut:
- Use shorter transitions (around 0.5 secs) to maintain a quick, lively pacing
- Longer transitions (2+ secs) help slow the pace and add drama
- Be consistent with transition lengths in a sequence
- Vary transition types from basic crossfades to more complex effects
- Avoid excessive use of transitions – let some clips cleanly cut between each other
- Review and tweak transitions until the timing/order feels right
Following these guidelines will help take your CapCut edits to a more professional, dynamic level!
Exporting Videos with Transitions
When you finish perfecting your edit using CapCut’s transitions, the last step is exporting your video to camera roll or sharing online!
Tap the export icon in the upper right corner of the app, then select your desired export settings:
- Resolution
- Frame rate
- File format
I typically export in 1080p or 4K resolution at 30 fps. For file type, MP4 gives the best quality and compatibility.
Enter a name for your exported video file, then tap Export to save the final video complete with all your smooth transitions!
Conclusion
Learning to add transitions is a milestone for any CapCut editor. This guide covers the key steps for browsing CapCut’s transition library, adding and arranging transitions on the timeline, customizing their length and effect, and best practices for using them effectively.
With a robust suite of transitions at your fingertips and these tips for implementing them, you can produce captivating, professional-grade videos on your mobile device.
