How to Change the Background Color in Premiere Pro

By Ted Published June 16, 2023

With the digital age ushering in a new era of creativity and cinematic possibilities, Adobe Premiere Pro has emerged as an industry-standard editing software for both professional and amateur video editors alike. It is packed with features that allow users to create videos that not only tell a story but do so in a visually appealing manner. One of these features is the ability to change the background color in Premiere Pro. This article provides a detailed guide on how to do just that.

Introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a timeline-based video editing software application that is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. This powerful software can be used for editing video footage and creating amazing visual stories. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced editor, the software provides an array of tools that cater to all levels of experience and creativity.

The Power of Color

In the world of film and video, color plays a crucial role. It sets the mood, underscores the emotion, and even drives the narrative in ways that are often understated but always essential. Changing the background color of your footage in Adobe Premiere Pro can dramatically alter the overall impact of your video, allowing you to create everything from subtle shifts in mood to bold, eye-catching effects.

How to Change the Background Color in Premiere Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

The following section will walk you through the process of changing the background color in Premiere Pro:

Step 1: Open Premiere Pro and Start a New Project

Open Adobe Premiere Pro on your computer. Click on File, then select New from the drop-down menu, and then Project. Input the name of your project, select a location to save it to, and then click OK.

Step 2: Import Your Footage

To import your footage into the project, click File, then Import, and then select the video file from your device. Drag and drop your video clip onto the timeline at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3: Create a New Color Matte

To create a new color matte, go to File, then New, and then click Color Matte. A dialog box will pop up asking you to select the dimensions of your color matte. Choose the dimensions that match your sequence (usually 1920x1080 pixels), and then click OK.

Step 4: Select Your Desired Color

A color picker will appear. Here, you can choose the color that you want your background to be. After selecting your color, click OK. Give your color matte a name, and then click OK once more.

Step 5: Add the Color Matte to Your Timeline

Your new color matte will appear in your project panel. Drag and drop it onto a video track on the timeline above your video clip. Extend or shorten the color matte clip as needed to match the duration of your video clip.

Step 6: Apply the Chroma Key Effect

In the Effects panel, type "Ultra Key" into the search box. Drag and drop the Ultra Key effect onto your video clip on the timeline. In the Effect Controls panel, use the eyedropper tool next to "Key Color" to select the color in your video that you want to replace with your new background.

Finishing Touches: Refining the Effect

After you've replaced your background color, you may want to refine the effect to achieve the best result. Here are some tips:

• Tweak the Ultra Key Settings: Adjust the settings in the Ultra Key effect to achieve a more precise key. You can fine-tune the Matte Generation, Matte Cleanup, Spill Suppression, and Color Correction options.
• Use a Garbage Matte: If there are parts of your video that you don't want to be affected by the Ultra Key effect, you can use a garbage matte to exclude them. Simply search for "Four Point Garbage Matte" in the Effects panel and apply it to your video clip. Then, adjust the points in the Effect Controls panel to exclude parts of your video from the key.
• Add Additional Effects: Remember, changing the background color is just the beginning. You can add additional effects, such as Color Correction or Lumetri Color, to enhance your new background and make your video look even more professional.

Conclusion

Changing the background color in Adobe Premiere Pro is a powerful technique that can transform your videos. It's a simple yet effective way to add depth, emotion, and a professional touch to your footage. Whether you're making a music video, a corporate presentation, or a short film, mastering this skill will take your editing game to the next level. Experiment, play around, and most importantly, have fun with it. After all, the world of video editing is a canvas for your creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the background color in Premiere Pro without using a green screen?

Yes, you can change the background color without using a green screen by using the color matte and Ultra Key effect. However, this may not work as effectively if the original background color of your footage is similar to your subject.

What other color effects can I apply in Premiere Pro?

Premiere Pro offers a wide range of color effects, including color correction, color grading, and the Lumetri Color panel, which offers a range of color adjustment tools.

Is it possible to use a custom color for the background?

Yes, when creating a color matte, you can pick any color you want from the color picker. You can also enter the hexadecimal value of a specific color if you know it.

Can I use an image as a background in Premiere Pro?

Yes, in addition to changing the background color, you can also replace the background with an image or another video clip by using the same steps but replacing the color matte with your desired image or clip.