Fades

Fades are gradual changes in visibility, brightness, or loudness used across media, music, lighting, and grooming. In film and video, fades signal transitions in time or place. A fade-in gradually reveals a scene from black or another color, while a fade-out reduces visibility to black or another color. A crossfade blends two shots or sounds, overlapping them so one ends as the next begins. Fades to black or to white are common ways to mark the end of a sequence or to alter mood.

In audio, fades refer to controlled changes in volume. A fade-in starts a track softly, a fade-out ends it quietly, and crossfades in mixing blend two tracks to avoid abrupt changes. The duration of a fade, typically measured in seconds, influences perceived pacing and atmosphere.

In digital graphics and photography, fades involve alpha transparency or gradient masks to transition gradually between images, colors, or layers. Fade effects can soften edges, create depth, or guide visual focus, and are widely used in slideshows, video editing, and interface design.

In hairstyling, a fade is a haircut where the hair on the sides and back is clipped very short near the skin and progressively lengthens toward the top. Variations include low, mid, and high fades, as well as skin fades and taper fades, each delivering a different degree of contrast between the shaved area and the longer hair on top.