In this article, we will provide you with a detailed tutorial on how to eliminate the background from your video using Adobe After Effects, a widely-used video editing program. This can be achieved by utilizing the ‘Keying’ effect, specifically the ‘Keylight’ feature. This method is also referred to as ‘Chroma Keying’. Now, let’s begin!
Step 1: Import Your Video
The first thing you need to do is to import your video into Adobe After Effects. This can be done by navigating to the ‘File’ menu and then selecting ‘Import’ -> ‘File’.
Step 2: Create a New Composition
After importing your video, create a new composition by clicking on ‘Composition’ -> ‘New Composition’. Name your composition, and set the parameters according to your preferences.
Step 3: Apply the Keylight Effect
Drag the video file into the new composition. Now, go to the ‘Effects’ menu, select ‘Keying’, and then ‘Keylight’. This action will apply the Keylight effect to your video.
Step 4: Select the Background Color
To remove the background, you will need to inform After Effects about the color of the background. Once Keylight is applied to your video, there will be a ‘Screen Colour’ option in the Effect Controls panel. Click on the color picker next to the ‘Screen Colour’ and then click on the background of your video.
Step 5: Fine-tuning
After you have selected the background color, the software will remove the background. However, it is quite common that the initial result is not perfect and might include some leftover background or may remove a part of the subject. In this case, you can adjust the ‘Screen Gain’ and ‘Screen Balance’ for better results.
Step 6: Add a New Background
Once you’ve successfully removed the background, you may want to replace it with a new one. To do this, simply import the new background and drag it into the timeline under your keyed footage.
Final Thoughts
Though it might seem tricky at first, removing the background from your video using Adobe After Effects is relatively straightforward once you get the hang of it. It’s a useful skill that can significantly enhance your video editing capabilities. Keep practicing and experimenting with different videos and backgrounds.
Remember, the key to a good ‘keying’ effect is to have a uniform and contrasting background color (like green or blue) and good lighting. This makes the process of identifying and removing the background much easier.
