The Timeline Model
A sequence is built from tracks stacked in order, each holding clips. Video tracks (V1, V2…) carry video, titles, and graphics; audio tracks (A1, A2…) carry audio only. V1 is the primary storyline — connected clips move together on ripple edits, the same magnetic-timeline idea used in Final Cut Pro.
Each clip stores its timeline position, its source in/out points, and non-destructive adjustments (transform, crop, effects, color grade, keyframes, speed) — your original file is never altered.
Tools & Core Gestures
| Tool | Key | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Selection | S | Click to select; Shift/⌘-click to extend. |
| Blade | B | Splits a clip at the click point or playhead. |
| Trim | T | Drag an edge to trim; ripples closed by default, ⌥ to roll. |
| Slip | U | Drag a clip's body to shift in/out points; ⌥ to slide. |
Trim Operations
- Move — repositions a clip; neighbors untouched.
- Trim In/Out — changes a clip's length.
- Ripple In/Out — trims and closes the gap across sync-locked tracks.
- Roll — trades duration between two adjacent clips.
- Slip — shifts in/out points without moving the clip.
- Slide — moves a clip while neighbors absorb the move.
Three-Point Editing
Mark an In and Out point in the Source Monitor, position the timeline playhead, then choose Insert (pushes everything later), Overwrite (lays down on top), or Replace (swaps media, keeps position/duration).
Markers
Add a colored, named marker at the playhead (yellow, red, green, blue, purple) to flag sync points, notes, or things to fix. Markers can span a range and you can jump between them instantly.
Titles & Graphics
Titles live directly on a video track as their own clip type. Pick a preset (Basic, Lower Third, Subtitle, Credits, Kinetic) and customize layers, fonts, fills, gradients, strokes, shadows, and blend modes in the Title Inspector. Any property can be keyframed by clicking its stopwatch icon.
Multicam Editing
Select clips from different angles of the same moment and choose Create Multicam. Click any angle in the Multicam Inspector to cut to it at the playhead — only the active angle exports.
Subtitles & Captions
Preset caption styles are available from the Captions tab; captions can also be generated automatically — see the AI Tools guide.
Keyboard Shortcuts & Keymaps
Around 74 commands cover playback, tools, trimming, markers, zoom, and panels. Switch keymaps in Preferences → Shortcuts between Lunar (default), Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or a fully custom layout.