To visually place a subject in various settings by replacing the background, video production often employs a technique called green screen or chroma key. Adobe After Effects is a top software option for achieving this effect, offering a comprehensive set of tools for removing green screen. In this tutorial, we will guide you step-by-step through the process of removing green screen using Adobe After Effects.
Step 1: Import Your Footage into After Effects
After launching Adobe After Effects, the first step is to import the footage with the green screen background. To do this, navigate to File > Import > File (or simply use the shortcut Ctrl+I on Windows or Command+I on Mac).
Step 2: Apply the Keylight Effect
The Keylight effect is Adobe After Effects’ built-in chroma key tool. To apply this effect, select your video layer in the timeline, then go to Effect > Keying > Keylight (1.2).
Step 3: Set the Color to Be Keyed Out
Once you’ve applied the Keylight effect, you’ll need to select the color that you want to remove from your footage. In the Effect Controls panel, click the eyedropper next to ‘Screen Colour’ and then click the green background in your footage.
Step 4: Refine the Key
After you’ve selected the screen color, there may still be some green fringing or areas that haven’t been completely keyed out. Don’t worry, this can be adjusted using various parameters under the ‘Screen Matte’ dropdown like ‘Clip Black’, ‘Clip White’, etc. Play around with these settings until you are satisfied with the result.
Step 5: Add Your New Background
Now that you’ve removed the green screen, it’s time to add your new background! Simply import your new background footage, and place the layer below your keyed footage in the timeline.
Conclusion
And there you have it! You’ve now learned how to use Adobe After Effects to remove a green screen from your footage. Remember, the key to a great chroma key is good lighting and a well-lit green screen, but Adobe After Effects’ Keylight effect can help you perfect your footage in post-production.