Adjustment layers

Use an adjustment layer/clip when one processing stack should affect the composite beneath it over a defined range. It is useful for shared looks, glows, blur/distortion treatments, or other operations that should remain independent from the source clips/layers.

Workflow

1. Place the adjustment layer above the content it should affect.
2. Trim its in/out range so the processing exists only where required.
3. Add one effect/operation at a time and inspect the composite after each change.
4. Keep the adjustment layer clearly named when several are used for different purposes.
5. Avoid stacking multiple broad adjustment layers when a clip- or layer-specific correction would be easier to understand.

The adjustment operation receives the composited image from the relevant underlying context; changing layer/track order or its time span can therefore change what it processes.

Practical example

For a 12-frame flash/glitch moment across several timeline elements, use a short adjustment layer rather than duplicating the same effect on every underlying clip. Animate the effect on that single layer, then trim it precisely to the moment.

Verify

Toggle the adjustment layer, check the exact first/last affected frames, inspect alpha/edges if relevant, then save/reopen and render a short review. Confirm that clips outside the adjustment range are unchanged.