Descript's Timeline Editor is a powerful tool for fine-tuning your audio edits.
While you'll mostly be editing audio through the script view, the Waveform Editor is handy for:
- Fine-tuning script-based audio edits (i.e. adjusting the boundary trim, adding crossfades)
- Expanding / contracting the space between words
Edits made in the timeline are synced to the script view, and vice versa.
Viewing the Timeline
To open the Timeline view, go to your application menu and select View > Show Timeline.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut, Cmd + Option + T (Mac) / Ctrl + Alt + T (Win).
Timeline Selection
The Timeline Toolbar provides a variety of tools to assist with selecting, moving and splitting clips in the timeline.
Using the Range tool (R), you can single-click a clip to reposition the playhead.
Double-click to select a clip.
The Timeline Toolbar provides a variety of tools to assist with selecting, moving and splitting clips in the timeline.
Trimming Clips
To fine tune a Clip boundary, click and drag the edge of the Clip.
As you drag, new words will appear / disappear from both the Wordbar and the Script View.
Using the Wordbar to adjust the space between words
To add / remove silence between words, click and drag a word in the Wordbar.
Cut/Copy/Paste/Delete Ranges
When you delete a selection from the timeline, the clips will "ripple" (or "shuffle") - meaning the rest of the clips to the right will shift to the left to close the gap. This typically allows for a more natural transition between the two clips. You can always adjust the timing of the Wordbar afterward.
Adding Fades and Crossfades
To add fades and crossfades, use the handles in the top corners of Clips. Pull into the Clip to add a fade, and away from the Clip to create a crossfade.
Adjusting Clip Volume / Gain
Adjust the volume of a Clip if you'd like to make it louder or softer. You can either open the Track Inspector (MacOS: Command + Option + I, Windows: Control + Alt + I) and select the clip, or right-click on the clip and select Show clip properties. There you can adjust the Volume in the Clip Properties section.
Splitting Clips
To split a Clip at the playhead position, select the Blade tool (B), and click on the location you would like to split. You can also split at the playhead using the keyboard shortcut (Mac: Option + B, Windows: Alt + B) or right-click.
