Make Your First Syn-FX Edit

Before you start: Open or create an Editor project, then import at least one video clip.

1. Learn the workspace

   Move around the timeline

   The red playhead shows the current frame and where an edit will happen.

   1. Drag an empty part of the timeline to move earlier or later.
   2. Spread two fingers apart to zoom in when you need precise control.
   3. Pinch two fingers together to zoom out and see more of the project.

   Try it: Move a frame or music beat under the red playhead, then zoom in.

2. Make a cut

   Split a video clip

   Split cuts one clip into two clips at the red playhead.

   1. Place the red playhead on the frame where you want the cut.
   2. Tap the video clip. Tap Edit if its controls are hidden.
   3. Tap Split.
   4. You can now trim, move, delete, or style either clip separately.

   Tip: Zoom in before splitting when the cut needs to land precisely on a beat or movement.

3. Connect two shots

   Add a video transition

   A transition blends one video clip into the next.

   1. Place two video clips next to each other on the timeline.
   2. Tap the hourglass transition button between the clips.
   3. Choose a transition from the gallery.
   4. Adjust its duration, then play across the cut to preview the result.

   Tip: Use a short transition for a quick change or a longer one for a stronger effect.

4. Find your look

   Browse effects and presets

   Effects change the appearance of your footage. Presets combine settings into a ready-made visual style.

   1. Tap Effects to open the effects browser.
   2. Browse categories, search by name, or tap Shuffle for ideas.
   3. Preview different choices against your own footage.
   4. Choose the effect or preset you like.

   Tip: Start with a preset for speed. Use individual effects when you want to build a more personal style.

5. Control the timing

   Add an effect to the timeline

   An FX clip controls when an effect appears and which visual layers it changes.

   1. Add your chosen effect to an FX track.
   2. Move the FX clip left or right to choose when the effect begins.
   3. Trim the FX clip to change its length, or tap Fill to extend it.
   4. Preview the result.

   Remember: Syn-FX processes tracks from top to bottom. An FX clip changes visual layers above it while they overlap.

6. Add movement

   Animate the FX as it appears

   An intro or outro makes an FX clip appear or disappear gradually.

   1. Select the FX clip on the timeline.
   2. Tap the hourglass transition button at the beginning or end of the clip.
   3. Choose an intro or outro transition.
   4. Adjust the duration and preview the full entrance or exit.

   Tip: Use a short transition for a sharp FX hit or a longer one when the effect should build or dissolve gradually.

7. Finish the project

   Preview and export your edit

   Export turns the complete timeline into a finished video.

   1. Play the project from start to finish and check the picture, sound, cuts, and final frame.
   2. Tap Export to export with your saved settings.
   3. To review or change the quality first, press and hold Export, choose your settings, then tap Export.
   4. Wait while Syn-FX generates the video.
   5. Find the finished video in Photos and share it.

   Tip: Watch the exported video once before publishing it.