### Highlights

Split edits (J and L cuts) are key to an immersive edit as they are motivated by the way we experience the real world.

There are lots of great reasons to use them, but especially to add realism to dialogue scenes, to make transitions both seamless and motivated and even to add humor into an edit.

They are as simple as they are important, requiring just a few clicks on any NLE.

## What is a split edit?

A split edit is the umbrella term given to 2 similar types of cut - the J cut and the L cut. These cuts are defined by allowing the audio and video of a clip to transition at different times.

When a clip's audio enters before the video, it forms a "J" shape on the editor's timeline and therefore earns the name _J cut_.

Therefore, when a clip's audio transitions in after the video, it makes an _L cut_.

## Why are split edits so important?

There is a strong rationale behind why this technique makes such a difference to the viewing experience. The J and L cuts reflect how we experience the real world.

1. The _video_ and _audio_ of typing on the laptop play together.
2. The _audio_ of a car driving past transitions in _first._
3. The _video_ of looking out the window follows _after_ the audio.

That's a J cut, and it might look like this on a timeline:

For an L cut:

1. The _video_ and _audio_ of looking out the window at the car play together.
2. The _video_ returns to the laptop screen (the _audio_ of the car passing _persists_).
3. The _car's audio_ then _fades away_ (only the sound of typing is heard).

The point is since the visual and auditory parts of our real-world experience constantly overlap, we should let our video editing do the same.

## Examples of J cuts and L cuts in films

### Realistic conversation

The first and arguably most important benefit of split edits is making conversations feel natural. They allow interruptions to feel like interruptions and help maintain the pace of conversations.

The Coen brothers have all but mastered dialogue editing. For example, in _No Country for Old Men_, J and L cuts are used to effectively draw the audience into the mounting tension throughout.

### Motivated transitions

Split edits can create a bridge between different shots, making transitions more impactful. In _Saving Private Ryan_, a long J cut using the sound of waves highlights a narrative connection.

### Comedic effect

Split edits can also add humor to a scene through the cut alone. An example is from _Ferris Bueller's Day Off_, where the L cut delivers the joke, emphasizing the character's absence from class.

## How to do split edits in your NLE

In any NLE, the technique is simple. Once you have your clips, you can control your audio and video separately. Simply right-click the clip whose audio you want to adjust independently and select the appropriate option to unlink or detach the audio.

## Wrapping up

The editor's secret weapon is the split edit, which can add realism, emotion, comedy and cohesiveness to any project. Give split edits a try and experience the power of J and L cuts for yourself.