Understand eye tracing and the rule of six

If you want to create smooth, emotionally resonant edits, then you should be focusing on eye tracing and the “rule of six.” In this article, we’ll take a look at how eye tracing helps guide the viewer’s gaze from one shot to the next, how Walter Murch came up with his rule of 6, and why that’s so important for any professional filmmaker today.

The idea is very simple: every cut you make should be judged against six criteria. Each one has a different weight, with emotion ranked highest. Murch’s point is clear – technical precision matters, but it should never come at the cost of how the audience feels.

Here’s how the rule of six editing laws breaks down, including a ranking of importance:

1. Emotion (51%)

First up, does the cut feel right emotionally? That’s your top priority. The audience should feel what the character feels. If a cut kills the emotion  — even if it’s perfect technically  — then it’s the wrong cut.

Example: Holding a close-up a second longer to let a character’s reaction land. 

2. Story (23%)

Second, does the cut push the story forward? Every edit should serve the narrative. If it doesn’t move the story, then it doesn’t belong.

Example: Cutting early to a character’s decision instead of dragging out a scene that’s already made its point.

3. Rhythm (10%)

Thirdly, ask yourself does the timing feel right? Great editing always has a pulse. Too fast, and you lose meaning. Too slow, and you lose attention.

Example: Matching the pace of dialogue with quicker cuts in a heated argument.

4. Eye trace (7%)

Eye trace is about understanding if the cut respects where the viewer’s looking. You want to guide their gaze. Don’t make them search the frame. We’ll take a closer look at this further on.

Example: If a character exits left in one shot, place them entering from the same side in the next.

5. 2D Plane of Screen (5%)

As an editor, it’s important to analyse whether the composition flows left to right or top to bottom. The visual direction should stay consistent to avoid disorienting cuts.

Example: Keeping a car chase moving in the same direction across cuts.

Last but not least, is the spatial geography clear? Don’t confuse your viewer. They should always know where characters are in relation to each other.

Example: Staying within the 180-degree rule during a dialogue scene.

What is eye tracing?

Eye tracing, one of Walter Murch’s rules, is the subconscious way viewers follow action and composition across cuts. It’s how the eye naturally moves from one point of interest to another, both within a single shot and between shots. You may not have really noticed this before while watching films because, when done right, the audience’s gaze flows effortlessly, making the edit feel smooth and intuitive. 

Managing eye trace is crucial because it keeps the visual flow clear and prevents confusion. If a cut suddenly moves the subject to a completely different part of the screen, or if the viewer’s eye has to jump around searching for what to focus on, it breaks their connection with the scene. This kind of disruption can easily pull people out of the story, even if they don’t consciously notice it.

As an editor, you guide eye movement by carefully controlling the following:

• Framing: You want to keep the subject or key action in roughly the same area of the screen across cuts. This creates visual continuity.
• Motion: You can focus on using natural movement within the frame to lead the eye toward the next shot’s point of interest. For example, if a character looks left, cut to a shot where the object or person they’re looking at appears on the left side.
• Contrast: You can highlight important elements by using light, color, or focus.. Brightness and sharpness attract the eye, helping to anchor attention where it should be.

How eye tracing affects editing decisions

Naturally, following the eye tracing rule is going to shape how you cut shots together and demands certain editing techniques. If you don’t consider where the viewer’s eye naturally goes, your edits can feel jarring or confusing. But eye tracing isn’t just about avoiding confusion — it’s about creating a smooth visual rhythm that supports the story and the emotion. When your cuts respect eye tracing, the viewer stays engaged without distraction, letting your story flow naturally.

Planning your edits around eye trace

Before cutting, ask yourself where the viewer’s eye is going. What’s their focus in the current shot, and where should it land next? Plan your cuts so that visual elements lead the eye logically and smoothly. This keeps the flow natural and avoids unnecessary distractions.

Digital assets and the rule of eye tracing

Pre-keyed footage, templates, and transitions can be helpful in edits, but also risky. If these assets don’t respect the natural eye movement in your shots, they can interrupt flow and confuse viewers.

You want to use transitions that match the direction of movement or composition. Templates that position elements consistently help maintain eye trace. If you overuse flashy transitions, random overlays, or mismatched templates, it can pull attention away from the main action, breaking the viewer’s visual path.

Practical tips for applying eye tracing and the “rule of six”

Match screen direction

You should keep characters and objects moving consistently from one side of the frame to the other. If a person walks left to right in one shot, then continue that direction in the next. This maintains spatial logic and prevents viewers from getting disoriented.

Maintain framing

You want to try and keep key subjects or points of interest in the same general area of the screen between your cuts. If a character is on the right side of the frame in one shot, don’t suddenly place them on the left in the next unless there’s a clear reason. Consistent framing helps the viewer’s eye stay focused and reduces visual confusion.

Follow motion

You should use movement within the shot to lead the viewer’s eye naturally. For example, if a character reaches or looks toward something, cut to a shot where that object or person is positioned in the direction of that motion. This guides attention seamlessly through the edit.

Use contrast intentionally

You can leverage elements like brightness, color, and focus to highlight important parts of the frame. Brighter or sharper areas draw the eye. Make sure your cuts keep these visual anchors consistent so viewers instinctively know where to look.

Prioritize emotion first

Remember Walter Murch’s “rule of six” and the weighting given to each point. Emotion always comes first and takes priority. So if a cut connects emotionally, small breaks in eye trace or technical rules can be acceptable. Never sacrifice feeling for perfection in framing or continuity.

Check pacing

Rhythm impacts how the eye moves. Fast cuts, such as a jump cut can make the eye dart; slow cuts let it settle. Adjust your timing so the viewer’s gaze can comfortably follow the action and absorb key details.

Test edits

Step back and watch your cuts without overthinking too much. Notice if your eye moves naturally or if you get stuck searching. If something feels off, then you should tweak the framing, direction, or timing.

Use digital assets wisely

When working with templates, pre-keyed footage, or transitions, ensure that they don’t disrupt the viewer’s natural eye path. You should choose or customize digital elements that align with your scene’s motion and composition, avoiding anything too flashy that pulls attention away from the story.

Templates, lower thirds, and transitions can be huge time-savers if they’re designed to respect eye trace. When these elements line up with the natural flow of the viewer’s eye, they help keep your edits smooth and clear without extra work. For example:

Templates that position text or graphics consistently on one side prevent the eye from jumping around.

Lower thirds placed in predictable spots let viewers absorb information without distraction.

Transition video templates that follow the direction of motion or match the composition help maintain visual flow between shots.

Using these assets thoughtfully not only streamlines your workflow but also supports better storytelling. You avoid having to rework cuts because the eye gets pulled off-track. Instead, you build momentum and keep the audience focused.

When choosing or customizing assets, always check that they guide the eye naturally and don’t clash with your shot composition. That way, you save time and deliver cleaner, more professional edits.

Wrapping up

Great editing isn’t just about knowing the tools — it’s about using them with intention. Every cut should serve a purpose, whether it’s driving emotion, supporting the story, or guiding the viewer’s eye. That’s where the “rule of six” really comes in. It’s not a rigid formula, but more of a practical checklist that helps you prioritize what really matters: the audience’s experience.

Use this framework to stay grounded in what each moment needs. Lead with emotion, respect rhythm, and let eye tracing keep your visual flow smooth and intuitive.

If you’re looking to streamline your process and improve clarity, why not start with Artlist assets that are built with eye trace in mind? Smartly designed templates, lower thirds, and transitions don’t just save time — they help you edit with confidence and consistency.