fadeout

A fadeout is a gradual reduction of visual or audible intensity that ends a clip, scene, or sequence. It is used to signal conclusion, transition, or the passage of time, and can affect sound, image, or both.

In audio, a fade-out lowers the volume of a track toward silence. It is common at the end of songs, broadcasts, or podcasts. Typical durations range from about one to several seconds, and curves may be linear, exponential, or logarithmic depending on the desired feel. In digital audio workstations, fade-outs are created with envelopes or automation that control amplitude over time.

In visual media, a fade-out gradually darkens the image to black, white, or another solid color. It is frequently employed to conclude a scene or the entire film, or to separate segments within a program. Durations are usually brief, commonly one to a few seconds, though stylistic variations exist, including fades to color or to a tinted hue to set mood or indicate a transition.

Variants and related concepts include the crossfade, which overlaps the outgoing and incoming content, and the dissolve, a gradual transition between scenes that can involve both audio and visual blending. Fade-outs are distinct from abrupt cuts or wipes and are often chosen for pacing, emotional impact, or clarity of progression in storytelling, music production, and user interfaces.