Time remapping
Also known as: retiming, speed curves, variable speed
Changing the playback speed of a clip over time with keyframes, so it can slow down, speed up or freeze smoothly within one shot.
Updated
What it means
Basic speed changes apply one speed to a whole clip, such as 50 percent for slow motion. Time remapping uses keyframes to vary speed continuously: normal speed on the approach, slowing to a crawl at the peak of a jump, then speeding back up after the landing. The result is called a speed ramp.
Most editing software offers time remapping through a speed curve or graph, where you set points and ease the transitions between them. Smooth curves make the change feel organic, while sudden steps feel abrupt and punchy.
Time remapping depends on having enough frames. Slowing down normal footage too much makes it stutter, unless frames are generated by optical flow.
How it works in practice
Record moments you plan to remap at a high frame rate, such as 120 fps. Set your timeline to 24, 30 or 60 fps, and place keyframes before and after the peak of the action. Ease in and out of the slow section for a natural feel.
Time ramps to the beat of the music: speed up into a drop, slow down on a big hit, return to normal speed as the next phrase starts. That alignment is what makes speed ramps feel satisfying.
Small, subtle remaps can also fix pacing, such as speeding up a slow approach without obvious fast motion.
What to watch out for
Remapping footage recorded at 30 fps below about half speed creates choppy, repeated frames. Plan high frame rate recording or accept limited slow motion.
Frame generation smooths slow motion but can produce warping around fast-moving edges, such as wheels, water spray and limbs. Check the result frame by frame before publishing.
Audio does not remap well, as slowed sound becomes deep and stretched. Mute original audio during remapped sections and let music or sound effects carry them. A whoosh at the start of a slow section helps sell the change.
How RawClip handles it
RawClip accepts high frame rate clips up to 120 fps and cuts the best moments to the music. For custom speed ramps, export the highlight and apply time remapping in your editor, using the 4K version of your highlight.