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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.
PresetDescription
CinematicWarm shadows, teal highlights — the Hollywood look
Black & WhiteFull desaturation with enhanced contrast
VintageFaded colors with a warm, retro tone
CoolBlue-shifted tones for a clean, modern feel
WarmGolden, sun-kissed tones
High ContrastDeeper blacks and brighter whites
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.