Choose the correct Studio timeline tool before editing: Select moves and edits layers or keyframes, while Razor splits a layer or track at the chosen time.
Where: Studio mode → Timeline header → Select or Razor
Key ideas
- Select (V): Use Select for choosing, moving, trimming, and editing timeline layers and keyframes without cutting the underlying track.
- Razor (C): Use Razor when one layer or track must become separate timed segments at a precise cut point.
- Tool state persists: The active cursor determines what the next click does, so returning to Select after a cut prevents accidental extra splits.
Steps
- Move the playhead to the intended cut and zoom until the timing boundary is easy to see.
- Press C or choose Razor, then click the intended layer/track at the cut time.
- Press V immediately after the required cut to return to Select.
- Select the new segment and trim, move, delete, or animate it independently.
- Play across the cut and add a transition only if the editorial change requires one.
Tips
- Enable snapping when the cut must land exactly on another timing boundary.
- Make one cut, return to Select, and inspect the result before performing a series of edits.
Troubleshooting
Clicking the timeline keeps creating cuts
Razor is still active. Press V or click Select before attempting to move or select a segment.
The cut lands slightly off the beat
Undo, enable Snap or zoom the time axis, position the playhead at the exact boundary, and cut again.