Definition
What is a sequence in video editing?
A sequence is an ordered arrangement of clips, audio, graphics, and effects that creates an edited piece of video. It can represent a single scene, a social-video version, a trailer, or the complete program, depending on the project.
A project can contain many sequences. An editor might keep separate sequences for a master edit, alternate aspect ratios, a client-review version, an opening montage, and individual scenes. Each sequence has its own timing and often its own settings for frame size, frame rate, and audio layout.
Opening a sequence normally reveals it in a timeline, but the sequence is more than its visible panel: it is the collection of edit decisions and settings that define the assembled program. Nesting a sequence inside another can simplify a complex edit or make a reusable section easier to manage.
Example in the edit
A documentary project contains separate sequences for each interview scene and a master sequence that combines the approved scenes, music, titles, and end credits.
Why editors use it
Sequences let editors divide complex work into manageable units and produce multiple versions without disturbing the master edit. Clear sequence organization also reduces handoff mistakes.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Sequence
Can one project contain multiple sequences?
Yes. Multiple sequences are normal for scenes, versions, platform cutdowns, alternate languages, and experiments.
What settings does a sequence have?
Common settings include frame size, frame rate, pixel aspect ratio, timecode format, and the number and configuration of audio tracks.
What is a nested sequence?
It is a sequence placed inside another sequence as if it were a clip, allowing a group of edits to be managed or reused as one item.