Gaps in your timeline slow down your edit and make it harder to review pacing. Ripple Delete is the fastest way to close them without manually dragging every clip.
Step-by-Step
- Click on the empty gap between clips in your timeline
- The gap will highlight — confirming it's selected
- Press Shift+Delete (Windows) or Shift+Forward Delete (Mac)
- All clips after the gap slide left to fill the space
Pro Tip
You can also select multiple gaps by holding Shift and clicking each one, then ripple delete them all at once. For large projects with dozens of gaps, use the Close Gap command under Sequence > Close Gap to clean up your entire timeline in one action.
When to Use This
Ripple Delete is essential during rough cut assembly when you're pulling selects from interviews or B-roll bins. It keeps your timeline tight so you can evaluate pacing accurately without dead air throwing off your rhythm.