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# Creating Gap Effects

Gaps are the empty spaces between elements in an edit sequence. They can result from removing a portion of a clip with Ripple set to off. To create a gap effect, apply a soft effect to a gap.

A gap effect is similar to a soft effect on an element with media. However, while a soft effect is restricted to the clip to which it is applied, gap effects are independent of all media. They affect the media under them. If you colour correct an empty layer, for example, the colour correction is seen on the layer beneath it. With gap effects, you can apply effects at a splice or transition, or add an effect to several clips at once.

NoteBecause a timewarp is closely tied to the media to which it is applied, you cannot apply a Timewarp soft effect to a gap.

Gaps can appear in different places in the timeline:

- The empty space between media elements on a video layer
- An empty video layer
- The space between splice points on an empty video layer. Splice points are useful for containing a gap effect applied to an empty video layer. The areas to either side of the splice points are also gaps.

(a) Space between splice points(b) Empty layer(c) Empty space between elements

Because a gap effect is not restricted by in points, out points, splices and transitions, it is easily trimmed, moved and duplicated. You can trim a gap effect over the entire duration of the video track regardless of the underlying splice points.

You can also freely edit splices and transitions between elements on video layers under the gap effect. You can splice an element, add a transition at the splice point, and then replace the incoming element without affecting the gap effect. In addition, gap effects can be copied and placed over different media in the timeline, or copied to the Source Area for later use.

For information on creating gaps, see Removing Elements from an Edit Sequence.

To apply a soft effect to a gap:

1. Determine the element to which you want to apply the soft effect and then do one of the following:
   - Move the positioner and its focus point over the gap.
   - Select the gap.
   - Select the entire video layer.
2. Click the appropriate soft effect button or use the appropriate soft effect hotkey.
   NoteThe soft effects hotkeys are available only from the EditDesk record timeline.

#### Topics in this section

- Creating a Gap Effect over a Transition
- Adding Soft Text to an Empty Layer