Fade the last few seconds of video to black

[ruggy1]

I have searched the site and found many references that involve inserting a black block and then somehow using this to fade the video to black. Can anyone tell me in simple terms how this is done? Thanks

[Ken Berry]

With VS open on the Timeline/Editor screen (i.e. the 'normal' screen), look up in the top centre of screen, just below the Title and Audio tabs. There is a small window which normally has the word 'Video' in it. If you click on 'Video' or on the downward pointing arrow to its right, a drop down menu will appear. In it, you will see the word 'Color'. Choose that. In the library pane, a selection of colours will appear.

You want black so choose black and drag and drop it into the timeline after your last clip (or before your first one, if you want to fade in from black). You can adjust its duration by either (in timeline view) clicking on the panel in the timeline and then dragging on the yellow bar at its extreme right to where you want it. OR you can set the duration by using the digital clock on the library pane of the Color selection.

Then you simply insert a Cross-fade or Fade to Black transition between the last video clip and the black panel.

[lancecarr]

From the drop down box where "Video" is usually showing to the right of the screen select "Color."
Select the black block and drag it to the timeline behind the clip you want to fade to black. Now from the same drop down box select "Transitions" then "FX" then drag either the "Fade to Black" or the "Crossfade" transition in between the clip and the black block you inserted.
Voila!

[ruggy1]

Thanks both of you for your help. I can now do it fine. Great