All transitions have duration, alignment, and direction parameters. Some transitions have additional parameters such as borders, edge adjustments, and anti-aliasing. The parameters depend on the nature and complexity of the specific transition type.

Duration refers to the number of frames required for the transition. All transitions use frames from the end of the first clip—called tail material—and frames from the beginning of the second clip—called head material—to create the transition.

Alignment refers to the position of the transition in relation to the cut between the two clips. The options are Center at Cut, Start at Cut, and End at Cut.

Direction indicates how the transition operates on the two clips. Normally, the direction will be from clip A to clip B—from left to right in the Timeline. In most cases, Premiere sets the direction of the transition automatically, and you won’t have to worry about it. Later in this lesson, you’ll use the Track Selector and other controls to modify the direction of a transition.