What is a dissolve in video editing?
A dissolve is a classic editing transition technique in which one shot slowly fades out while the next fades in to create a smooth overlap. While a hard cut is more jarring, a dissolve is a soft transition because both shots are momentarily visible at the same time. Dissolve is typically used to suggest time passing or a change in mood or location.
How does a dissolve differ from a fade?
A dissolve transitions between two shots by blending them, effectively connecting two scenes. In contrast, a fade transitions a shot to or from a solid color (typically black) to mark the beginning or end of a sequence.
What is a cross dissolve?
A cross dissolve is a specific type of dissolve where one shot fades out as the next shot simultaneously fades in, creating a smooth overlap between the two clips.
Should I use cross dissolve?
Use cross dissolves to convey a passage of time, a location change, or create a more fluid transition between scenes. But you should avoid overusing it—too many dissolves can make your video look distracting or outdated.
