Add detail, transitions, and emphasis with SFX.
Sound effects work best when they clarify an action or create a production beat. Search the library, upload an owned asset, or generate a candidate, then place it precisely on the SFX lane.
Find an effect
Open the SFX selector and use search terms that describe the audible event: source, material, movement, intensity, distance, and environment.
- Soft UI confirmation, short, clean
- Car door close, exterior, realistic
- Cinematic impact, restrained, no tail
- Coastal ambience, distant waves, calm
Preview the result and add useful candidates to Favorites when available.
Generate with AI
- Open the SFX generation view.
- Describe one clear audible event and its duration.
- Generate and compare the returned previews.
- Apply the best candidate to the creative.
- Rename or organize it in My SFX if you plan to reuse it.
Upload an effect
Upload is a staged flow: choose the file, preview it, then confirm or discard. Confirm only assets your account is authorized to use and distribute.
Place it on the timeline
- Drag the clip to the intended production beat.
- Resize within the available source duration.
- Layer multiple effects only when each has a clear role.
- Use the playhead and waveform to align transients.
- Check the event under the voice and music, not solo only.
If a resize stops at the edge, the source has reached its available limit. Drag the opposite edge or choose a longer source rather than expecting synthetic audio beyond the file.
Mix SFX
Use the SFX lane preset for a consistent starting point, then adjust a specific clip only when it needs separate treatment. Clip effects are applied before lane effects in the final production chain.
- Lower gain before adding heavy compression.
- Use fades to remove abrupt ambience edges.
- Keep important speech intelligible during impacts.
- Check on speakers as well as headphones.
Common roles
Attention
A short sonic cue before the opening, used sparingly.
Transition
A change of section, offer, scene, or speaker.
Proof
A realistic event that supports what the listener imagines.
Environment
A restrained atmosphere that establishes place or occasion.
SFX approval checklist
- The effect has an editorial purpose.
- Its transient does not obscure a key word.
- The source and commercial rights are known.
- The duration and ending are intentional.
- Layered effects do not create unexpected peaks.