> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tessact.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Timeline volume and fades

> Shape audio amplitude and transitions while seeing their temporal extent.

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:

```text theme={null}
effective gain = base volume × fade-in gain × fade-out gain × mute state
```

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.

<Warning>
  Trimming can clamp a fade region or leave it disproportionate to the new duration. Reinspect fades after every boundary change.
</Warning>

## Mixing checks

1. Listen to the layer alone if the mix is confusing.
2. Restore the surrounding layers and review the transition in context.
3. Watch for multiple fades multiplying into an unexpectedly quiet result.
4. Confirm project preview mute is off.
5. Render a short review only after browser playback sounds consistent.

See [Audio overview](/editor/audio/overview), [volume](/editor/audio/volume), and [fades in depth](/editor/audio/fades).