Video Editing 101: How To Make A Seamless Transition in Windows 10?

To make your video rock you will need a video editor with transitions and amazing video clips, to which you want to add transition effects. But how to do that in Windows 10? Technically, you can add a cool effect in 5 simple steps if you toss in downloading and installing the app itself.

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Before we start banging out the steps, let’s quickly run through what a transition effect actually is. 

What is a Video Transition Effect? 

A transition effect is a tool within your video editor, which gives a sense of animation to your slides.

When creating or editing a project using a video editor with transitions, you usually create your slides by adding video clips, images, color clips, etc. These slides are displayed one after the other in your preview screen in what can be called a basic transition. However, basic transitions make your videos look more bland than simple, lacking in sophistication and creativity.  

This is where transition effects for videos come in. Video editors use transition effects to make your clips, images, and videos move more creatively from one element to another. 

How to add a video transition in Windows 10

Step 1 – Pick your weapon

If this is the first time you’re doing it in Windows 10 or you’re not satisfied with your editor, you can go to the Microsoft Store on PC or tablet and search for a movie maker or video editor there. If you prefer Mac, iOS, or Android, search for video editing software in their stores. We would recommend iMovie for Mac and iOS, and YouCut for Android. Other than the difference in price/support, they should be similar in terms of functionality. Checking the number of reviews and scores will help you to save a lot of time! We’re focusing on using Animotica, a free Windows video editor with transitions, in this guide. Here is the direct link to get it from Microsoft Store.

Alternatively, you can search for it or any other video editor on Microsoft Store.

Install the app on your PC and launch it.

Step 2 – Kick-start your first video project

Launch the app, and click on “New Project”. You can also access quick tools from the first screen in case if you need to do some other changes to your video first.

By default, your video project will have the aspect ratio perfect for YouTube videos. In case if you want different dimensions for your video, choose the aspect ratio that goes along with your needs: widescreen for YouTube, vertical for Instagram/IGTV, etc. or simply pick the dimensions. Name your project.

Step 3 – Add the content

Add a couple of clips you’ll be transitioning through. If you don’t have enough of video or audio content to add, we recommend you to check up these websites with royalty-free content.

If you have one file and you need to split it into a few pieces to add transitions in between, you can also do that.

Note, that you will need to provide access to your files for the app.

Step 4 – Pick the place for your video transition

If you want to apply the same transition effect to all your files, navigate to Project Settings.

Select one of a variety of transitions to apply it to all your clips and it will automatically appear in between all of your clips.

If you want to add a video transition between any two slides, click on the square icon between them.

Step 5 – Pick the best video transition option

You’ll be presented with a list of amazing options to choose from and see the preview of it. Pick the transition that fits your needs most. 

Also, you can regulate the transition effect’s duration on this screen.

Make sure to adjust a proper transition speed as well (Duration of the Transition).

Step 6 — Saving your Video 

When you’re done setting your transition effects, you can go ahead and save your video. 

Click on Save Video.  

This will lead you to the Export Video window, where you’ll see some post-editing options such as Select a Video Resolution and Bitrate. 

By default, Animotica sets your video resolution at 720p, this is the best balance between quality and size, and is an excellent fit for YouTube. You can choose to go for higher quality, all the way to 1080p and 4k!   

However, note that the higher you go, the larger the file size—which leads to slower export time. 

The same thing applies to Bitrate. So, you might be better off leaving everything at the default setting. 

Next step: hit Save As. This shows you a window for inputting your desired filename. Enter your filename and hit Save. 

At this point, you can relax and let Animotica render your project! 

That’s it. You are done.

How to add a transition to your video (Video example)

If you’re searching for better visualization, check up this brief guide on how to add a transition effect to your video using Animotica.

Video Guide on How to Add Transition Between Your Clips

Making a professional transition in high-quality video content is a bit more complex though. It takes a fair amount of skill and experience because aside from knowing how to add an effect, you need to be sure on the why, and the where.

Video Guide on How to Add the Same Transition Between of all Your Clips

Without further ado, here is a handful of our favorite tips for making a seamless transition like a pro. 

Video Transition Tips

#1. Don’t overthink it

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Keeping the transition simple makes it look more polished and professional. Fancy video effects tend to look cheap or worse yet, pretentious. 

Let’s set things clear. Your goal, as a video editor, is not to show off your exquisite skills. You are here to do a convincing job – getting your point across a cohesive, compelling video. 

• Fading to black gets the job done in 9 cases out of 10. 
• Cross dissolve handles the rest. 

Don’t get this wrong. Nobody is saying you can’t use an edgy, flamboyant effect. It’s just that you need a serious artistic reason to use it.

#2. Don’t overuse it

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You can’t avoid using a scene transition if you are creating visual content in 2019. That said, you can’t stuff your video full of them without any particular reason other than the fact that they look cool. 

Think about transition placement wisely. Use them to either:

• Create a speed loop to visualize a lasting process
• Move from one setting to another
• Change the focus of the video

Avoid using transition effects for anything else.

#3. Stay creative

So far, all we’ve done was setting up the ground rules. That said, who are we to limit your creative genius? 

Animotica has dozens of sweet transition effects for a reason – all of them have a unique purpose you are yet to explore. Play around with them, test the waters, and then go for the one making into the final cut. 

As for the how, you’ll need to either upload several video clips or cut one into pieces, which is possible by Splitting your video.

Yes, it’s really that simple. At least from a technical point of view, it is.

Animotica Movie Maker Transitions FAQ 

What Transitions are Included in Animotica? 

Animotica offers a pack of 51 transitions, though new transition effects appear frequently. There is also a preview for each transition to give you a glimpse of how your slides will look.

Here’s a list of transitions you will find. 

* Animotica continuously updates Transitions, so it’s possible that in the latest Animotica’s version you can find more transition effects.

Are transition effects free in Animotica? 

Yes, a few transitions are free in Animotica, but to use the full set of transitions you will need to update to Light PRO at least (just a coffee cup price). Moreover, there are several more pro features to enjoy if you can pay a small sum, just enough for two cups of coffee! Ready to start? Install and use it for free!?

Do you have any other questions or perhaps you’d like to request a particular guide from our in-house video editors?  Don’t be shy, join us on social media and shoot us a line or two in comments or social networks!

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