---
title: "Handles"
url: https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/handles
language: en
description: "Handles are extra frames of media retained before the in-point and after the out-point of every clip in a sequence, typically requested as a fixed durat..."
updated: 2026-10-25
---

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# Handles

Handles are extra frames of media retained before the in-point and after the out-point of every clip in a sequence, typically requested as a fixed duration like 24 frames (1 second at 24fps) or 48 frames (2 seconds). They give downstream departments the freedom to extend any cut without going back to source — the audio mixer might need an extra few frames to taper a reverb tail, the colorist might want more frames to design a transition, the VFX artist might need additional context for a tracking solve. Handles are typically specified when conforming or rendering output files for finishing: a turnover package to color or VFX includes each clip with its used in/out plus the requested handle length on each end, so the entire clip pulled to disk is somewhat longer than what appears in the cut. The handle length depends on workflow: 12 frames is tight, 24 is standard, 48 is generous, 96 or higher is reserved for productions with heavy ongoing revisions. Some studios specify scene-level handles (the entire scene preserved as a continuous clip), others specify clip-level. Handles consume disk space — a 100-minute feature with 24-frame handles can require 10-15% more storage than the locked cut alone. The change list propagated from editorial to downstream departments documents which handles each shot needs as the cut evolves.

EditingEditor, Assistant Editor, Online EditorOffline Editing, Conform

## Related terms

[Offline Editing](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/offline-editing)[Conformation (Conform)](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/conformation-conform)[Turnover](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/turnover)

Editorial timeline from camera media to picture lock. Typical feature workflow takes 12-24 weeks for the offline phase.

## Articles covering this term

* [VFX pipeline in post-production: a complete workflow

  Master the visual effects post-production workflow. Learn about spotting, tracking, color management, plate exchange, ACES, EXR handling, and conform.](https://postproduction.studio/en/workflows/vfx-pipeline-workflow)
* [Sound editing: organizing the audio material

  Sound editing organizes and prepares audio material for mixing. Track naming, synchronization, collaboration and best practices.](https://postproduction.studio/en/sound/sound-editing)
* [Offline and Online: editorial and finishing workflow

  Understand the offline/online concept. Learn proxy workflows, EDL/XML/AAF, conform process, and modern NLE best practices.](https://postproduction.studio/en/fundamentals/offline-and-online)
* [Finishing workflow: from grade to masters

  Comprehensive guide to the finishing workflow in post-production. Learn about final grading, VFX integration, titling, clean masters, and technical compliance.](https://postproduction.studio/en/workflows/finishing-workflow)
* [Dialogue editing: clarity and continuity

  Master dialogue editing techniques in post-production: processing direct sound, continuity, ADR integration, and preparing dialogue tracks for mixing.](https://postproduction.studio/en/sound/dialogue-editing)
* [VFX in post-production: integration and pipeline

  Complete guide to VFX post-production pipeline: plates, conform, turnover, EXR formats, ACES integration, grading coordination, and technical delivery workflows.](https://postproduction.studio/en/image/vfx-pipeline)