If you’re new to the editing bay, you may not be familiar with the techniques known as J-cuts and L-cuts — but you’ve likely seen, watched, and experienced them both.
These scene transitions deal with the interaction between sound and visuals; they’re also a useful editing tool to keep in your back pocket.
Read on to learn what J-cuts and L-cuts are all about, including how (and when) to incorporate them in your work.
What’s in a name
J-cuts and L-cuts are similar, but different. By definition, J-cuts are scene transitions where the audio of the next scene precedes the picture change. In an L-cut, the audio carries over from the previous scene into the following one, despite visual changes.
J-cuts and L-cuts get their respective names from the shape they create in your editing program’s timeline. Notice, for example, the highlighted portions of the graphic above. If your audio comes in before the imagery of your next clip, it forms a “J” shape. However, if the visual from the next clip changes but the audio file remains the same, you get an “L.”
When to use J-cuts
Use J-cuts to create a sense of intrigue about what’s coming next in your video. Is it going to rain in your next scene? Bring in that familiar sound early to pique the interest of your viewers.
A good example of a J-cut is Patagonia’s brand film “Life of Pie” (shown above). Before any on-screen visuals appear, you hear dialogue that introduces an unconventional interview in the film’s opening sequence.
When to use L-cuts
L-cuts are a voiceover’s best friend. They’re also great for dialogue scenes where you want to cut to the reactions of the person who is listening (more on that later).
Notice the L-cut in the initial scenes of Eugen Merher’s “Dark Red.” As the protagonist speaks into an audio recorder, you’re quickly pulled into his daily life as the voiceover carries over.
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