Create Freeze Frames in Adobe Premiere Pro CC (2018)

Freeze frames are a staple of video editing. You see them at the end of films, in sports highlights, during character introductions, and in documentary-style storytelling. The footage stops on a single frame, holds for a moment, and either continues or transitions to something else. It is a simple technique that creates dramatic emphasis, gives the audience time to absorb information, or sets up a title card.

Premiere Pro gives you three different ways to create freeze frames, each with different use cases. Today we go over all three.

Method 1: Insert Frame Hold Segment

This is the fastest method. It creates a new frozen clip that is inserted into the timeline.

1. Place your footage on the timeline.
2. Move the playhead to the exact frame you want to freeze.
3. Right click on the footage and select Insert Frame Hold Segment.
4. A frozen clip is inserted at the playhead position. The original footage splits around it.
5. Drag the edges of the frozen clip to adjust how long the freeze lasts.

This method works best when the clip has no critical audio, since the freeze interrupts the audio playback.

Method 2: Add Frame Hold

This method freezes a section of the clip without inserting a new segment. It is better when you need the audio to continue uninterrupted on other tracks.

1. Move the playhead to where you want the freeze to begin.
2. Use the Razor Tool (C) to cut the clip. Then move forward to where you want the freeze to end and cut again. You now have a short segment isolated.
3. Right click on this segment and select Add Frame Hold.
4. The segment is frozen on a single frame while the surrounding footage plays normally.

Method 3: Frame Hold Options

This method gives you the most control over exactly which frame is held and how.

1. Cut out the segment you want to freeze, just like in Method 2.
2. Right click on the segment and select Frame Hold Options.
3. A dialog box opens with several choices:
   • In Point freezes on the first frame of the segment.
   • Out Point freezes on the last frame.
   • Playhead freezes on the frame where the playhead was when you opened the dialog.
   • Source Timecode lets you type in an exact timecode from the source clip.
   • Sequence Timecode lets you type in an exact timecode from the sequence.
4. Choose the option that fits your needs and click OK.

When to Use Each Method

Method	Best For	Audio Behavior
Insert Frame Hold	Quick freeze, no audio concerns	Splits audio at insertion
Add Frame Hold	Freeze with audio on other tracks	Only freezes the cut segment
Frame Hold Options	Precise control over which frame	Only freezes the cut segment

Tips

• Add a text overlay on top of a freeze frame for character introductions, name cards, or title screens.
• Apply a slight zoom effect during the freeze for a more dynamic look. A static freeze combined with a slow push-in keeps the moment visually interesting.
• Use freeze frames at the end of a scene for a classic film ending. Freeze on the final moment and fade to black.
• Color grade the freeze differently. Apply a black and white or desaturated look to the frozen frame to distinguish it from the moving footage.
• Combine with a sound effect. A quick “whoosh” or record-scratch sound at the moment of the freeze adds comedic or dramatic emphasis.

That is how you create freeze frames in Premiere Pro. Three methods for different situations, all quick to set up and effective at creating moments of emphasis in your edits.