How to Add a Broken Lens Transition in After Effects

Introduction

A broken lens transition creates the illusion of glass cracking between two clips, adding a dramatic and cinematic effect. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to build this transition using the Shatter effect in Adobe After Effects.

Step 1: Import and Sequence Your Videos

Go to File → Import → File and import your video clips. Drag both videos onto the timeline. When the New Composition from Selection window appears, choose:

Single Composition
Enable Sequence Layers
Enable Overlap
Duration: 0:00:00:30
Transition: Off

Click OK.