What is a ripple edit used for?

A ripple edit is a technique used in video and audio editing to adjust the timing of clips while automatically shifting subsequent clips to maintain continuity. When a ripple edit is performed, any changes made to the length or position of a clip cause adjacent clips to move accordingly, preventing gaps or overlaps. This is particularly useful for tightening sequences or reorganizing content without having to manually adjust all following elements. It helps streamline the editing process and maintain the flow of the project.