How to Add Transitions in Premiere Pro

As one of the most robust video editing software programs available, Adobe Premiere Pro allows users to create professional-looking videos with ease. And for more advanced editors, it also makes complex techniques possible.

One key aspect of all successful video editing is the seamless transition between clips, and Premiere Pro offers multiple ways for users to achieve those transitions. Some are basic and some are more complex, but they all have one thing in common: you can learn to master them all, regardless of your skill level.

How? Learn to choose the right transition for your needs, understand different types of transitions and discover how to implement them effectively.

Choosing the Perfect Transitions for You

The photo editing software Adobe Premiere Pro open on a computer. It’s displaying a clip of water splashing out of a clear glass in front of a dark purple background. — In the Skillshare class “Video Editing Techniques: Create Smooth Edits,” teacher Sean Dykink demonstrates how to transition between two clips filmed in front of a similar background.

The first step of becoming proficient in Premiere Pro transitions is learning to determine which transition is best for you.

From simple cuts to more intricate effects, Premiere Pro provides a plethora of choices to suit your video editing needs. These transitions not only serve to connect clips, but also contribute to the storytelling and aesthetics of your video.

So if you’re looking to create an uncomplicated transition for a video presentation or quick YouTube video, for instance, a basic Dip to Black transition might be right up your alley.

But if you want an elegant and cinematic transition that’s better suited for a high-production value video, you may want to learn how to execute more sophisticated transition effects.

To decide which transitions you should learn first, start by familiarizing yourself with Premiere Pro’s built-in video transitions. If any of those sound like what you’re looking for, then you’ll likely be happy with simple transitions for the time being. But if none fit the bill, consider taking the time to study more advanced video editing techniques.

Understanding the Types of Transitions in Premiere Pro

Premiere Pro open on a computer. On the right is footage of a wave crashing into a rocky shore. On the left is a transition template with two rectangles labeled ‘A’ and ‘B.’ — In the Skillshare class “Video Editing With Adobe Premiere Pro For Beginners,” teacher Jordy Vandeput adds a Dip to White video transition to his footage.

Premiere Pro categorizes transitions into various types, and each serves its own unique purpose in the post-production process. These are the three core transition types the software offers:

Video transitions: These are probably what you think of when considering transitions in Premiere Pro. Its video transitions include fades, dissolves, wipes, page peel effects and more. For beginners and experienced editors alike, these transitions are fundamental for smoothly shifting between clips.
Immersive Video transitions: Designed specifically for 360-degree footage and virtual reality (VR) content, Premiere Pro’s Immersive Video transitions transport viewers from one scene to another without any distracting seamlines.
Audio transitions: Premiere Pro may be primarily geared toward video editing, but it has plenty of audio editing tools too, including audio transitions. With their help, you can smooth out audio changes between clips to maintain a continuous and polished auditory experience.

How to Add Transitions to a Video in Premiere Pro

Premiere Pro open on a computer. It displays aerial footage of a wave rolling into a rocky cliff, while a simulated light leak effect is brightening portions of the image. — In the Skillshare class “Advanced Training with Adobe Premiere Pro CC,” teacher Daniel Scott uses light leak transitions to achieve a dreamy and ethereal effect.

When faced with Premiere Pro’s rather busy user interface, adding transitions can seem intimidating and complex. But if you know which steps to follow, you can do so in just a few minutes, even with no prior experience.

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to add basic transitions either one at a time or en masse:

1. How to Add Transitions One by One

Import clips: Start by importing your video clips into the project.
Create your sequence: Organize your clips to your liking by arranging them within the video timeline. Remember to add each clip’s corresponding audio file, too.
Go to the Effects panel: Navigate to the Effects panel, which you can find under the Window tab.
Open the Video Transitions folder: From there, select your desired transition.
Apply your transitions: Drag and drop your chosen transition onto the cut between two clips in the timeline.
Fine-tune your transition: With the tools included in the Effect Controls panel, you can tweak your transition until it matches your vision.

2. How to Add Transitions to Multiple Clips at Once

Import your clips and create a sequence: Import all the clips you want to use and organize them in the timeline to your liking.
Set a default transition: Go to Window > Effects, expand the video or audio transitions menu, then select the transition you want to apply. Right-click it, and choose Set Selected As Default Transition.
Set the transition duration: Navigate to Edit > Preferences > Timeline on Windows (or Premiere Pro > Preferences > Timeline on Mac). Click Effects, and then Set Default Transition Duration.
Apply the transitions to all your clips: Select however many clips you’d like in the timeline, either by shift-clicking or drawing a marquee over them. Finally, click Sequence > Apply Default Transitions to Selection. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Control + D on Windows (Command + D on Mac).

Enhance Your Video Editing Skills with Premiere Pro

Mastering transitions in Premiere Pro can significantly elevate your video editing skills, and that holds true whether you're creating a simple vlog or polishing a cinematic masterpiece.

And when you’re ready to tackle the rest of Premiere Pro’s wide range of video editing tools, use Skillshare as your online learning resource. With our many online Premiere Pro classes, you’ll be well on your way to enhancing your visual storytelling skills and effectively captivating your audience.

Written By

Carrie Buchholz

Carrie Buchholz is a freelance writer who lives in Northern Colorado with her husband and dog.