Fade-ins and fade-outs can be applied to images, videos and Flexi-Collages. In the Object settings section, you can set the Fade-in or Fade-out you want. You can also adjust their duration and, in many cases, their behavior.

1 When to use a Fade-in

With a Fade-in you create the transition from one image to the next. While the last image is still visible for a short time, the next one will gradually become visible. Also, if you want to fade out an image after black at the end of your project, use the fade-in principle, because here a black background is simply faded in after the last image.

In most cases, it is sufficient to work only with fade-ins to achieve a smooth transition from one object to another.

2 When to use a Fade-out

With a Fade-out you achieve that the object disappears completely. After the fade-out, the image is no longer on your "virtual image stack". Objects lying below it may then be visible again.

You should never use a fade-out for a smooth transition. Fades are only suitable when you are working with multiple tracks and you want an object that is displayed in front of other objects (such as a background) to leave the display smoothly.

3 Common problems and solutions

3.1 The image appears again

This behavior can occur if you have selected fade-outs in addition to fade-ins. In this case, do not select fade-outs in addition to fade-ins. If you want to be sure that all objects have only fade-ins and no fade-outs, click on an object in the Timeline. Then press  Ctrl  +  A  to select everything. Then go to Object settings and for Fade-outs set the option Leave in place (do not hide).

If you don't want to do without your fades, make sure that all fades have the Fade to background color checkmark set. This function ensures that instead of fading into previous images, you fade into the background color of the image. You can change the background color in the image properties.

3.2 Black gap between images

A black gap between images occurs when you have always selected a Fade-in and fade out. In this case, the background track is completely black.
The Fade-in always requires an image that can be faded in. However, fading out ensures that this image is no longer displayed. Again, it helps to use Fade-ins only. To do this, you can select all objects and then choose the option Leave in place (do not hide) under Object settings - Fade-out.

3.3 Video stops while the next object fades in

Video and image in overlap object

If you insert a further object with a fading in after a video, the video will stop for the period of time it takes to fade the object in. This happens because a transition is needed for the next object.

You can prevent this by adding the video and the following object into the object effect Overlap, which you can find in the Toolbox.