Video Editing Glossary

Picture Lock

The point where the edit is final and no more cuts will change.

Picture lock is the stage at which the editing of shots is finalized and will not change. It is an important milestone because downstream work — color grading, sound design, music, visual effects and titles — depends on the timing being stable. Changing the cut after picture lock means redoing that work.

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Written & reviewed by
Faran@432
Production Lead & Consultant · Studio432

Faran is the production lead at Studio432 — the studio arm of Club432, the Karachi collective behind 100+ filmed live sessions and concert films. He plans and consults on shoots worldwide, and owns the gear, settings and craft standards behind everything published here.

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