7 Video Editing Cuts Techniques You Need to Know

Video editing is more than just putting together different clips and sounds. It is also about choosing the right transitions between them to create a smooth and engaging story. Video editing cuts are the ways of changing from one shot to another, and they can have a huge impact on the pace, rhythm, and mood of your video. In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce you to seven video editing cuts techniques that you need to know, and how to use them effectively in your own projects.

1. The Standard Cut

The standard cut is the simplest and most common type of video editing cut. It is when one shot ends and another one begins, without any special effect or transition. The standard cut is used to show a continuous action or a logical progression of events. For example, you can use a standard cut to show a person walking from one room to another, or a car driving from one location to another.

The standard cut is the most versatile and natural type of cut, and it works well for most situations. However, you should avoid using too many standard cuts in a row, as they can make your video boring and monotonous. To spice up your video, you can use some of the other types of cuts that we will discuss below.

2. The Jump Cut

The jump cut is a type of cut where two shots of the same subject are joined together, but with a noticeable change in time, angle, or position. The jump cut is used to create a sense of urgency, excitement, or disorientation. For example, you can use a jump cut to show a person running away from danger, or a montage of different activities in a short period of time.

The jump cut is a great way to speed up your video and show a lot of information in a limited time. However, you should be careful not to overuse it, as it can also make your video confusing and jarring. To avoid this, you can use some of the following techniques to smooth out your jump cuts:

• Use a sound bridge: This is when the audio of the first shot continues into the second shot, or vice versa. This creates a continuity and flow between the shots, and helps the viewer to follow the action.
• Use a cutaway: This is when you insert a shot of something else between the two shots of the same subject, usually related to the scene or the story. This breaks up the monotony and provides additional information, context, or emotion to the main action.
• Use a match cut: This is when you match the two shots by an element of shape, color, movement, or sound. This creates a smooth and seamless transition between the shots, or highlights a similarity or a difference between them.

3. The Cross Cut

The cross cut is a type of cut where two or more scenes are intercut with each other, usually to show parallel or simultaneous actions or events. The cross cut is used to create a sense of connection, contrast, or suspense between the scenes. For example, you can use a cross cut to show a phone conversation, a chase scene, or a split-screen effect.

The cross cut is a powerful way to tell multiple stories at the same time, and to show how they are related or affect each other. However, you should also make sure that the cross cut is clear and coherent, and that the viewer can follow the different scenes without getting lost or confused. To achieve this, you can use some of the following tips:

• Use a clear visual or audio cue: This is when you use a distinctive element, such as a color, a sound, or a graphic, to indicate which scene is which, and to switch between them. This helps the viewer to identify and differentiate the scenes, and to anticipate the changes.
• Use a consistent rhythm and pattern: This is when you use a regular and predictable timing and order for the cross cuts, such as every few seconds, or every other shot. This helps the viewer to get used to and expect the cross cuts, and to follow the pace and flow of the scenes.
• Use a logical and meaningful connection: This is when you use a relevant and compelling reason for the cross cuts, such as a cause and effect, a comparison and contrast, or a climax and resolution. This helps the viewer to understand and appreciate the purpose and the message of the cross cuts, and to feel the emotion and the tension of the scenes.

4. The Smash Cut

The smash cut is a type of cut where a sudden and abrupt change in the scene occurs, usually from a quiet or calm scene to a loud or chaotic one, or vice versa. The smash cut is used to create a shock, a surprise, or a contrast in the video. For example, you can use a smash cut to show a person waking up from a nightmare, a car crash, or a plot twist.

The smash cut is a dramatic and effective way to grab the viewer’s attention and to make a strong impression. However, you should also be careful not to overdo it, as it can also make your video annoying and irritating. To avoid this, you can use some of the following guidelines:

• Use it sparingly: This is when you use the smash cut only once or twice in your video, and only when it is necessary and appropriate. This makes the smash cut more impactful and memorable, and prevents it from becoming predictable and boring.
• Use it wisely: This is when you use the smash cut only for a good reason and with a clear intention, such as to reveal a secret, to change the mood, or to make a point. This makes the smash cut more meaningful and relevant, and avoids it from becoming random and pointless.
• Use it smoothly: This is when you use the smash cut in a way that does not disrupt or ruin the continuity and flow of your video, such as by using a sound bridge, a cutaway, or a match cut. This makes the smash cut more seamless and natural, and prevents it from becoming jarring and confusing.

5. The J Cut

The J cut is a type of cut where the audio of the next shot starts before the video of the current shot ends. The J cut is used to create a smooth and natural transition between the shots, or to foreshadow or emphasize something that is about to happen. For example, you can use a J cut to show a person hearing a sound before seeing the source, a person talking before appearing on screen, or a person reacting to something that is not yet visible.

The J cut is a subtle and elegant way to connect and blend the shots, and to create a sense of anticipation and curiosity in the viewer. However, you should also make sure that the J cut is not too long or too short, and that it matches the tone and the pace of your video. To achieve this, you can use some of the following techniques:

• Use a suitable duration: This is when you use a reasonable and appropriate length for the J cut, depending on the context and the effect that you want to create. For instance, you can use a longer J cut to build up the suspense and the mystery, or a shorter J cut to create a quick and smooth transition.
• Use a suitable volume: This is when you use a suitable and consistent level of sound for the J cut, depending on the source and the importance of the audio. For example, you can use a louder volume to draw attention and to create a contrast, or a lower volume to create a background and to create a harmony.
• Use a suitable sound: This is when you use a relevant and interesting sound for the J cut, depending on the scene and the story that you want to tell. For example, you can use a dialogue, a music, or a sound effect to convey information, emotion, or atmosphere.
• Tip:The J cut is used to create a smooth and natural transition between the shots, or to foreshadow or emphasize something that is about to happen. For example, you can use a J cut to show a person hearing a sound before seeing the source, a person talking before appearing on screen, or a person reacting to something that is not yet

6. The L Cut

The L cut is a type of cut where the video of the next shot starts before the audio of the current shot ends. The L cut is used to create a continuity and flow between the shots, or to show a reaction or a consequence of something that has just happened. For example, you can use an L cut to show a person speaking after leaving the frame, a person listening to something after the scene changes, or a person’s emotion after an action.

The L cut is a smooth and natural way to link and extend the shots, and to create a sense of connection and interaction between the characters and the scenes. However, you should also make sure that the L cut is not too long or too short, and that it matches the tone and the pace of your video. To achieve this, you can use some of the same techniques that we mentioned for the J cut, such as using a suitable duration, volume, and sound.

7. The Invisible Cut

The invisible cut is a type of cut where the transition between the shots is hidden or disguised by a camera movement, an object, or an effect. The invisible cut is used to create a seamless and continuous shot, or to show a change in time, space, or perspective. For example, you can use an invisible cut to show a person walking through a door, a person turning around, or a person entering a dream.

The invisible cut is a clever and creative way to trick the viewer’s eye and to create a smooth and immersive video. However, you should also make sure that the invisible cut is not too obvious or too subtle, and that it serves a purpose.

• The Invisible Cut: This is a type of cut where the transition between the shots is hidden or disguised by a camera movement, an object, or an effect. The invisible cut is used to create a seamless and continuous shot, or to show a change in time, space, or perspective. For example, you can use an invisible cut to show a person walking through a door, a person turning around, or a person entering a dream.

Conclusion

Video editing cuts are the essential tools of video editing. They can make or break your video, depending on how you use them. By mastering the different types of video editing cuts techniques, you can create more engaging, effective, and creative videos for your audience. Remember, the best video editing cuts are the ones that serve the story, the message, and the emotion of your video.