Audio-capable layers can combine inspector-authored base volume with fade regions authored by timeline handles.
Signal model
At a given layer-local frame, effective gain is conceptually:
The fade factors transition between silence and full layer gain over their configured durations. Overlapping layers are then mixed into the project output.
Fade-in
Use a fade-in to soften an abrupt source start, introduce ambience, or bring music under narration. Keep it short for click removal and longer for a deliberate musical entrance.
Fade-out
Use a fade-out before a clip ends to prevent a hard stop. A fade longer than the remaining interval can dominate the whole clip, so review the visible duration after trimming.
Timeline handles and inspector volume
Timeline handles are the mounted authoring control for fade durations. The audio inspector provides base volume and playback rate; an audio-capable video inspector provides volume. Neither mounted inspector exposes numeric fade-duration fields, so use timeline zoom and frame/time readouts when a precise handle placement matters.
Trimming can clamp a fade region or leave it disproportionate to the new duration. Reinspect fades after every boundary change.
Mixing checks
- Listen to the layer alone if the mix is confusing.
- Restore the surrounding layers and review the transition in context.
- Watch for multiple fades multiplying into an unexpectedly quiet result.
- Confirm project preview mute is off.
- Render a short review only after browser playback sounds consistent.
See Audio overview, volume, and fades in depth. 
