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Cardboard includes a library of transitions, color grading presets, and keyframe animation tools to give your videos a polished look. You can apply them manually from the editor or use AI Chat to add them with a simple prompt.

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Transitions

Add transitions between clips to smooth out cuts. Cardboard includes 14 transition presets across three categories.
  • Fade — Classic fade to/from black
  • Dissolve — One clip blends smoothly into the next
  • Light Leak — Bright light bloom during the transition
  • Film Burn — Analog film burn effect
  • Cross Zoom — Zoom-based cross dissolve
Each transition has configurable properties:
  • Duration — How long the transition lasts (in seconds)
  • Direction — Where applicable, which direction the transition moves (left, right, up, down)
  • Easing — The acceleration curve (ease in, ease out, linear)
To apply a transition, drag it from the transitions panel onto the cut point between two clips.

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Color grading and LUTs

Color grading changes the overall look and feel of your video. Cardboard includes 6 LUT presets you can apply to any clip or adjustment layer. LUTs are applied via adjustment layers that sit above your clips on the timeline. You can control the intensity from 0 (no effect) to 1 (full strength) to dial in the exact look you want.

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Keyframe animation

Animate any clip property over time using keyframes. Set a value at one point, a different value at another, and Cardboard smoothly interpolates between them. Properties you can animate:
  • Opacity — Fade clips in and out
  • Scale — Zoom in or out over time
  • Rotation — Spin or tilt a clip
  • X / Y position — Move a clip across the frame
To add a keyframe, move the playhead to where you want the animation to start, set your property value, then move ahead and set a new value. Cardboard creates a smooth animation between the two points.
You can use AI Chat for effects too — try “Add a fade transition between every clip”, “Apply cinematic color grade”, or “Zoom in on the subject over 2 seconds.”

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What’s next?

Music & Audio

Add background music and sound effects.

How to Talk to Cardboard

Prompt tips and examples for effects and transitions.