Edit video clips and audio in the Timeline

Last updated on Oct 4, 2026

Learn how to arrange video clips, apply transitions, and adjust audio levels using the Timeline panel in Adobe Photoshop on desktop video projects.

After importing a video into your document, use the Timeline panel (Window > Timeline) to organize clips, add transitions, and adjust audio. Video Groups organize clips on separate tracks, while audio tracks let you control sound independently.

Arrange and edit video groups

Drag clips left or right in the Timeline panel to reorder them.

Tip

Select Window > Timeline to make the Timeline panel visible.

Drag either edge of a clip to adjust its start and end points.

Position the Timeline Playhead where you want to divide a clip, then select the Split At Playhead.

Drag clips up or down between Video Groups in the Timeline or Layers panel to reorganize your project structure.

After splitting a group, you can edit or remove each section independently. The Timeline Playhead shows the current frame where Timeline edits are applied.

Add and adjust transitions

Transitions create professional fade and cross-fade effects.

Select the Transitions icon in the upper-right corner of the Timeline panel.

Select a transition duration from the dropdown menu.

Drag a transition to the beginning or end of a clip to create a fade-in or fade-out.

Drag a transition between two clips to create a crossfade effect.

Drag either edge of the transition in the Timeline to adjust its duration.

Adjust audio levels and tracks

Right-click an audio/video clip in the Timeline to access audio options.

Select the Musical Notes icon and select Mute Audio to silence the clip or adjust the volume slider to increase or decrease audio levels.

Select Fade In or Fade Out options to gradually adjust audio level.

Select the Musical Notes icon under the Timeline panel, then select New Audio Track to add an audio track for layering multiple audio sources, such as background music and narration.

Adjust clip duration and playback speed

Right-click a video clip in the Timeline to open the clip options menu.

Drag the Duration slider to lengthen or shorten the clip in your sequence.

Drag the Speed slider to change playback speed. Values above 100% speed up the clip, while values below 100% slow it down.

Note

Preview your edits by selecting the Play icon at the bottom of the Timeline panel. The green bar above your clips shows which frames are cached in memory for smoother playback.