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DaVinci Resolve

Step-by-Step Guide to L-Cut and J-Cut in DaVinci Resolve

• 4 mins read

So, what’s the deal with L-Cut and J-Cut? Simply put, these cuts are editing techniques that allow the audio and video to transition at different times.

We call it a J-Cut when the audio from the next scene starts playing before the video switches over. it could happen, for example, during a scene in a café and you start hearing the sound of waves crashing. The video then cuts to a beach scene. The audio transition leads the video, hence the name “J-Cut” because, on the timeline, the audio track extends leftwards beneath the first clip, forming the shape of the letter “J”

L-Cut is the opposite of that. It makes the audio from the current scene continue to play over the beginning of the following video clip. So, you might still be hearing dialogue from the first scene while you’re already watching the next scene unfold. This is called an “L-Cut” because the audio track extends rightwards under the next clip on the timeline, looking like an inverted “J” or, well, an “L”.

Summary

  1. Disable Link Selection
  2. Method 1: Direct Audio Extension for L-Cut and J-Cut
  3. Method 2: Using Multiple Audio Tracks for J-Cut L-Cut
  4. Tips for Refining Your Cuts

Trying to do a J- or L-Cut with a Link Selection turned on would be a lot like trying to move your couch to one side of the room with the coffee table keeps tagging along because they’re tied together — quite annoying. When link selection is turned on. Your video and audio tracks move together, which isn’t always what you want, especially when you’re trying to finesse those slick L-Cuts and J-Cuts.

To gain control, you’ll need to turn the link selection off. Look for a chain icon somewhere around the timeline — clicking it toggles link selection on and off. With it off, you can move your audio independently from your video.

What to do then?

Method 1: Direct Audio Extension for L-Cut and J-Cut

If a J-Cut is the goal, extend forward. Drag the beginning of the audio track leftwards to extend into the previous video clip. This will allow audio from the next scene to play over the current video.

Direct Audio Extension for J-cut in DaVinci Resolve

For L-Cuts, extend backward. Drag the end of this audio track rightwards to extend into the next video clip. The current audio will continue over the next scene’s video.

Obviously enough, you will achieve the same result by extending the video clip. 

Method 2: Using Multiple Audio Tracks for J-Cut L-Cut

Audio clip extended on a different track in DaVinci Resolve
  1. Add an Audio Track: Create an additional audio track on your timeline.
  2. Move the Audio Segment: Identify the audio segment from your next video (for a J-Cut) or from your current video (for an L-Cut) that you want to overlap with the other video. Put this segment onto a different track. 
  3. Extend: For a J-Cut, position this segment to start during the previous video clip, blending the sounds. For an L-Cut, align it so it continues into the next video clip, overlapping the scenes.

Tips for Refining Your Cuts

  • Adjust Overlaps Precisely: Use the trim tool to carefully adjust the points where your audio overlaps with your video. This tool is perfect for making small, precise adjustments that can either extend or shorten the audio at the beginning or end. Make sure that the extended audio doesn’t start (or end) too abruptly
  • Check for Smoothness: After adjusting your cuts, play back the transitions several times to listen for any abrupt changes or awkward pauses. The goal is for the audio to feel like a natural extension of the scene, not a sudden car alarm blaring in the middle of a peaceful night.
  • Ensure Continuity: Make sure the audio flow feels consistent and continuous. Any jarring jumps or dips in audio levels can break the viewer’s immersion. Use audio fade-ins and fade-outs to blend the sounds more seamlessly if needed.
  • Visual and Audio Harmony: Step back and review your cuts within the context of the entire sequence. Sometimes, what seems like a well-edited cut in isolation might not flow well with the rest of the segment.

Use Keyframes for More Control: Adding keyframes to your audio tracks can allow you to dynamically adjust the volume and other effects throughout the transition. This can be particularly useful for smoothing out audio levels.