A split edit where the audio of the next shot starts before its picture appears.
In a J-cut, you hear the next scene before you see it — the sound leads the picture. It is named for the shape the clips make on the timeline. J-cuts make transitions feel smooth and natural and are especially common in dialogue and interviews, easing the viewer into the next moment.
The two most powerful cuts in dialogue editing are named after letters — and once you understand them, you will use them on every project.
A practical guide to every cut and transition a video editor needs to know, with clear rules for when each one earns its place in a timeline.
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