Perform J-K-L dynamic trimming in Trim mode

Last updated on Apr 1, 2026

Learn how to trim clips one frame at a time using J-K-L shortcuts for precise control in Adobe Premiere.

Dynamic trimming in Trim mode lets you play clips forward or backward and adjust edits frame by frame. By using the J, K, and L keys together, you can quickly shuttle through footage and set precise In and Out points as you review your edits.

Before you begin:

In Trim mode, you can combine the J, K, and L keyboard shortcuts to play clips and trim based on where playback stops. This method is called dynamic trimming.

Select an edit point, press the K key to pause, and then use J or L to shuttle backward or forward through the clip.

Premiere Pro keyboard layout showing the J, K, and L keys highlighted. The image demonstrates how these keys are used to play clips forward, pause, or play backward during dynamic trimming in Trim mode. — Use the J, K, and L keys to shuttle through clips and trim footage frame by frame in Trim mode.

While shuttling, the more times you press J or L, the faster the clip plays in that direction. Use K to pause playback at any time.

Once you find the frame where you want to trim, press J or L to fine-tune and stop at the exact frame you want to cut.

Press I to set the In point at the current frame. Press K to resume playback if needed.

When ready, press O to set the Out point at the current frame. The clip is trimmed between the In and Out points.

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Track trimming actions in the History panel

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