What does option/alt-click do to selected clips?

Option/alt-click is a useful feature in video editing software that allows the user to unlink audio and video clips that have been previously linked together in order to manipulate them independently. When audio and video are linked, actions performed on one will affect the other, which is often convenient for syncing purposes. However, there are situations where you may want to edit the audio and video tracks separately—perhaps to adjust the audio timing without altering the video or to apply different effects.

By using option/alt-click on a linked clip, you effectively disengage the synchronization, which means you can select just the audio or just the video for editing. This functionality is crucial for precise editing, giving the editor much more control over the individual components of the project.

Understanding this function is key for those working with complex timelines where audio and video need to be manipulated independently, making it an essential tool in your editing arsenal.