# Free transition sound effects

> Free transition effects for music and video: swells, reverse hits, sweeps and stingers that bridge two sections or shots, with a licence verdict on each.

30 samples from 4 sources (Orange Free Sounds 14, Wikimedia Commons 14, OpenGameArt 1, Strudel sample banks 1), updated 2026-10-23. Picked from a live search and refreshed daily.

- Same search in the browser: https://sound.shep.bot/search?q=transition&category=fx.transition
- Same search over the API: `curl "https://sound.shep.bot/v1/search?q=transition&category=fx.transition"`
- Details, files and the credit line: `GET https://sound.shep.bot/v1/samples/{id}` with an id from the table below.
- Licence verdicts: "Commercial use OK" (with or without credit) is cleared for a release; anything else must be checked or is non-commercial. See https://sound.shep.bot/docs/licences.md

## Bridging two moments

A transition effect connects the end of one section to the start of another: a reverse cymbal into a chorus, a swell before a key change, a short stinger between scenes in a video. In electronic music they are almost compulsory, because sections often change by adding or removing whole layers at once, and a transition smooths the jump.

## Building a transition

Most good transitions are layered. Combine a rising element such as a riser or reverse swell, an impact on the downbeat, and a falling tail such as a downlifter or reverb throw. Keep each layer in its own frequency range so they don't smear. Automate the reverb and filter of the main mix along with them, and the effect feels like part of the music.

Transitions from free libraries are a mix of sound-designed effects and processed recordings. Each card shows whether you can release or publish with it.

## Samples

| Sample | id | What | Source | Licence | Commercial use | Direct download |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2011-07-09 Transition Network Conference 2011 -ttcon2011 - 5 Transition and Activism.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_5_Transition_and_Activism.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_5_Transition_and_Activism.vorb.oga` | Transition, 71:51 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Sci-Fi Warp Space Transition Sound Effect – Futuristic Hyperdrive Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/sci-fi-warp-space-transition-sound-effect-futuristic-hyperdrive-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:58903` | Transition, One-shot, 7.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| ["Day 1" Cinematic transition sound](https://opengameart.org/content/day-1-cinematic-transition-sound) | `opengameart:day-1-cinematic-transition-sound` | Transition | OpenGameArt | OpenGameArt per-item licence | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2011-07-09 Transition Network Conference 2011 -ttcon2011 - 6 Leadership in the Transition Movement.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_6_Leadership_in_the_Transition_Movement.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_6_Leadership_in_the_Transition_Movement.vorb.oga` | Transition, 85:01 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Deep Distant Roar With Rumbling Transition Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/deep-distant-roar-with-rumbling-transition-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:58657` | Transition, One-shot, 4.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2010-06-12 Transition Network Conference 2010 - 1 Opening Session.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2010-06-12_Transition_Network_Conference_2010_-_1_Opening_Session.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2010-06-12_Transition_Network_Conference_2010_-_1_Opening_Session.vorb.oga` | Transition, 29:21 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Dirt-Samples · ul · 9](https://github.com/tidalcycles/Dirt-Samples/blob/master/ul/009_ulsnare-reverse.wav) | `strudel:dirt-samples/ul/9` | Transition | Strudel sample banks | No licence stated | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2011-07-09 Transition Network Conference 2011 -ttcon2011 - 7 Wild.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_7_Wild.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_7_Wild.vorb.oga` | Transition, 52:37 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Futuristic Sci-Fi Whoosh Transition Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/futuristic-sci-fi-whoosh-transition-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:58883` | Transition, One-shot, 7.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Creepy Horror Transition Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/creepy-horror-transition-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:58500` | Transition, One-shot, 8.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2010-06-13 Transition as a Pattern Language - Rob Hopkins.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2010-06-13_Transition_as_a_Pattern_Language_-_Rob_Hopkins.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2010-06-13_Transition_as_a_Pattern_Language_-_Rob_Hopkins.vorb.oga` | Transition, 49:44 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2010-06-13 What is the future context for Transition - Sophy Banks.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2010-06-13_What_is_the_future_context_for_Transition_-_Sophy_Banks.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2010-06-13_What_is_the_future_context_for_Transition_-_Sophy_Banks.vorb.oga` | Transition, 32:03 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Crispy Rainstick Transition Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/crispy-rainstick-transition-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:58192` | Transition, One-shot, 4.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2011-07-09 Transition Network Conference 2011 -ttcon2011 - 4 Scaling Up.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_4_Scaling_Up.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_4_Scaling_Up.vorb.oga` | Transition, 70:29 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Sci-Fi Intro Transition Sound Effect – Futuristic Cinematic Transition](https://orangefreesounds.com/sci-fi-intro-transition-sound-effect-futuristic-cinematic-transition/) | `orangefreesounds:58010` | Transition, One-shot, 8.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2010-06-12 Transition Network Conference 2010 - 2 Open Space Introduction.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2010-06-12_Transition_Network_Conference_2010_-_2_Open_Space_Introduction.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2010-06-12_Transition_Network_Conference_2010_-_2_Open_Space_Introduction.vorb.oga` | Transition, 31:08 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Heavy Stone Swoosh Transition Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/heavy-stone-swoosh-transition-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:58422` | Transition, One-shot, 3.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2011-07-09 Transition Network Conference 2011 -ttcon2011 - 1 Opening, Mappings, Sharing news.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_1_Opening,_Mappings,_Sharing_news.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_1_Opening,_Mappings,_Sharing_news.vorb.oga` | Transition, 53:35 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Creepy Spooky Swoosh Transition Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/creepy-spooky-swoosh-transition-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:58291` | Transition, One-shot, 7.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2011-07-09 Transition Network Conference 2011 -ttcon2011 - 3 Update on Local Currencies.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_3_Update_on_Local_Currencies.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_3_Update_on_Local_Currencies.vorb.oga` | Transition, 94:02 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Magic Notification – Short Fantasy UI Transition Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/magic-notification-short-fantasy-ui-transition-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:57155` | Transition, One-shot, 3.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2011-07-09 Transition Network Conference 2011 -ttcon2011 - 9 A conversation about the -Spanish Revolution.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_9_A_conversation_about_the_-Spanish_Revolution.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_9_A_conversation_about_the_-Spanish_Revolution.vorb.oga` | Transition, 32:23 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Eerie Dark Ambient Horror Transition Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/eerie-dark-ambient-horror-transition-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:58233` | Transition, One-shot, 8.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [John McCain speaks on the 2016 Presidential Transition](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_McCain_speaks_on_the_2016_Presidential_Transition.ogg) | `wikimediacommons:John_McCain_speaks_on_the_2016_Presidential_Transition.ogg` | Transition, 6:02 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Dynamic Build-Up Transition Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/dynamic-build-up-transition-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:57374` | Transition, One-shot, 7.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2011-07-09 Transition Network Conference 2011 -ttcon2011 - 2 Introducing the Ingredients of Transition and Transition as Cookery.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_2_Introducing_the_Ingredients_of_Transition_and_Transition_as_Cookery.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2011-07-09_Transition_Network_Conference_2011_-ttcon2011_-_2_Introducing_the_Ingredients_of_Transition_and_Transition_as_Cookery.vorb.oga` | Transition, 53:58 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Eerie Haunted Space Whoosh Transition Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/eerie-haunted-space-whoosh-transition-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:57014` | Transition, One-shot, 6.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Sheffield Indymedia - 2009-11-06 Transition North Conference - 2 Transition North closing plenary session.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2009-11-06_Transition_North_Conference_-_2_Transition_North_closing_plenary_session.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Sheffield_Indymedia_-_2009-11-06_Transition_North_Conference_-_2_Transition_North_closing_plenary_session.vorb.oga` | Transition, 46:57 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Build Up Transition Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/build-up-transition-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:56892` | Transition, One-shot, 8.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Shimmering Celestial Reverse Swell Sound Effect](https://orangefreesounds.com/shimmering-celestial-reverse-swell-sound-effect/) | `orangefreesounds:56633` | Transition, One-shot, 6.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |

## Questions

**What makes a good transition sound?**

It moves in the direction of the change: rising into something bigger, falling into something quieter. Its loudest point should land exactly where the new section or shot begins.

**Can I make my own transitions from samples?**

Yes. Reverse a crash or a vocal, add a long reverb and resample it, or sweep a filter on noise. Your own transitions match your track better than stock ones.

## Related collections

- [Free whoosh and sweep sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-whoosh-sound-effects.md): Free whooshes, swooshes and noise sweeps for transitions in music, video edits, trailers and games, as short one-shots with previews and a licence verdict.
- [Free riser sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-riser-sound-effects.md): Free riser and uplifter sound effects for build-ups before a drop: white noise sweeps, pitch risers and tension builds, each with a preview and licence verdict.
- [Free downlifter sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-downlifter-sound-effects.md): Free downlifters and falling sweeps that release tension after a drop or lead out of a section, for EDM, trap and film edits, each with a licence verdict.
- [Free impact sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-impact-sound-effects.md): Free impact and hit sound effects: cinematic booms, sub drops, braams and slams for drops, trailers and transitions, each with a preview and licence verdict.
- [Free glitch sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-glitch-sound-effects.md): Free glitch effects: stutters, digital errors, buffer repeats, bit-crushed bursts and data noise for electronic music, UI and video, with licences.
- [Free laser and zap sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-laser-zap-sound-effects.md): Free laser, zap and blaster sound effects: retro sci-fi pews, synth zaps and glitchy shots for music, games and video, with a licence verdict on each.

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Source: https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-transition-sound-effects