Trimming Semantics: Two Approaches

Editframe supports two different mental models for trimming audio, each serving different use cases. This dual approach solves a fundamental problem: different workflows need different ways of thinking about time.

Why Two Approaches?

Using a single trimming model creates friction across different workflows:

• UI builders need relative trimming (drag handles inward from edges)
• Professional workflows need absolute timecode (precise frame references)
• Data tracking needs trimming that doesn't break source-time alignment

By supporting both models, Editframe enables the right mental model for each workflow without forcing compromises.

Relative Trimming: trimstart / trimend

Mental model: "Remove X seconds from the start/end of the clip"

This matches the interface of consumer audio editors where you drag handles inward from the edges.

<!-- 10s source → 6s clip (remove 2s from each end) -->
<ef-audio src="audio.mp3" trimstart="2s" trimend="2s"></ef-audio>

How it works:

• trimstart: Offset from the beginning of the source
• trimend: Offset from the end of the source
• Duration: sourceDuration - trimstart - trimend
• Effect on currentSourceTimeMs: trimstart + ownCurrentTimeMs

Absolute Trimming: sourcein / sourceout

Mental model: "Show audio from timestamp A to timestamp B"

This matches professional audio editors that use absolute source timecode.

<!-- Show exactly 2s to 4s from source (2s clip) -->
<ef-audio src="audio.mp3" sourcein="2s" sourceout="4s"></ef-audio>

How it works:

• sourcein: Absolute start time in source audio
• sourceout: Absolute end time in source audio
• Duration: sourceout - sourcein
• Effect on currentSourceTimeMs: sourcein + ownCurrentTimeMs

When to Use Each

	trimstart/trimend	sourcein/sourceout
Mental model	"Cut off X seconds"	"Show timestamp A to B"
Best for	UI sliders, drag handles	Timecode from audio editors
Duration thinking	Relative (how much to remove)	Absolute (which window to show)
Source-time tracking	trimstart + ownCurrentTimeMs	sourcein + ownCurrentTimeMs