Apple Final Cut Express HD - Manual (Page 726)

726 Part IX Effects
Example: Using Keyframes to Make Opacity Changes
This example illustrates how you can use Final Cut Express HD to dynamically adjust
opacity over time to create sophisticated multilayered effects. You’ll layer two clips and
adjust a clip’s opacity over time. The topmost clip fades in, superimposes the other clip
for a few seconds, and then fades up (nearly obscuring the underlying image) before
fading away completely.
1 Edit two clips of equal duration into your sequence, each on its own video track.
Note: The clip you want to appear in front should be placed on track V2; the other clip
should be placed on track V1.
2 Open the clip on track V2 into the Viewer, then click the Motion tab.
3 Click the disclosure triangle for the Opacity parameter to reveal its overlay in the
keyframe graph area.
4 To adjust the opacity of the entire clip, do one of the following:
 Drag the Opacity slider to the left until the value in the number field reads 50.
 Type 50 in the Opacity number field, then press Return.
 Move the pointer over the Opacity value graph line in the keyframe graph area;
when the pointer turns into the Adjust Line Segment pointer, drag down until the
value in the number field reads 50.
Layer the clips, with one
clip on track V1 and the
other superimposed on
track V2.
The image in
the Canvas now
shows both layers
blended together.