Reverse Push Transition Direction in Kdenlive

This article explains how to reverse the direction of a “Push” transition midway through its animation in Kdenlive. By utilizing the Composite and Transform transition and manipulating its keyframe coordinates, you can easily make an incoming clip push onto the screen and then reverse its path back off-screen.

To achieve a mid-transition reversal, you must use the Composite and Transform transition instead of the basic slide or wipe transitions, as it provides the precise keyframe control required for coordinate manipulation.

Step 1: Align Your Video Clips

  1. Place your outgoing clip on the lower track (e.g., V1).
  2. Place your incoming clip on the upper track (e.g., V2).
  3. Overlap the two clips on the timeline for the desired duration of the transition.

Step 2: Apply the Composite and Transform Transition

  1. Right-click the overlapping region of the clip on the upper track (V2).
  2. Select Add Transition and choose Composite and Transform from the dropdown menu.
  3. Select the transition block in the timeline to open its settings in the Properties panel.

Step 3: Configure the Keyframes

You will use three keyframes to create the reversal effect: the start, the midpoint, and the end.

  1. The Start Keyframe (0%): Select the first keyframe at the very beginning of the transition. In the parameter settings, change the X coordinate to 100% (or -100%). This positions the incoming clip completely off-screen to the right (or left).
  2. The Midpoint Keyframe (50%): Move the timeline playhead to the exact middle of the transition duration. Click the Add Keyframe (plus icon) in the transition properties. Change the X coordinate to 0%. The incoming clip is now fully visible, completing the first half of the push.
  3. The End Keyframe (100%): Select the final keyframe at the end of the transition. To reverse the direction of the push, set the X coordinate back to your starting value of 100% (or -100%).

When you play back the timeline, the upper clip will push into the frame from the side, reach the center, and then reverse its direction, sliding back out to the side it came from.