How to Change Background in Video
By Seth
Published June 14, 2023
How to Change Background in Video
Visual storytelling has become an essential element of our digital age, and the art of video making is no exception. Among all the creative tools and techniques available, one of the most sought-after is the ability to change a video's background. This article will guide you on how to change the background in a video, empowering you to create a professional-quality output that resonates with your audience.
Why Change Video Background?
Changing the background in a video serves various purposes:
- Aesthetic Appeal: A well-chosen background can elevate the overall visual appeal of your video, making it more engaging for viewers.
- Context and Relevance: A background can provide context or convey the mood or theme of the video.
- Privacy: If you are filming in a personal or sensitive area, changing the background helps maintain your privacy.
- Technical Necessities: In some instances, the original background may contain elements that are visually distracting or infringe on copyrights, making it necessary to replace the background.
Tools to Change Video Background
There are several software tools available that allow you to change the background of your video, including:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- iMovie (for Apple users)
- OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)
- VSDC Free Video Editor
- Filmora9
Each of these tools provides various features and requires different levels of expertise. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on using Adobe Premiere Pro, given its widespread use and robust capabilities.
Changing Background in Video using Adobe Premiere Pro
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to change the video background using Adobe Premiere Pro.
Step 1: Import Your Video
First, open Adobe Premiere Pro, then:
- Click on "File" in the menu bar.
- Select "Import..."
- Choose the video file you want to edit.
Step 2: Create a Sequence
Next, you need to create a sequence:
- Drag your video file from the project panel to the timeline.
- Adobe Premiere Pro will automatically create a sequence matching the properties of your video file.
Step 3: Import Your New Background
Similar to how you imported your video file:
- Click on "File" in the menu bar.
- Select "Import..."
- Choose the video or image file you want to use as the new background.
Step 4: Apply the Ultra Key Effect
Now, you need to remove the current background of your video:
- Go to "Effects" in the project panel.
- In the search bar, type "Ultra Key" and press Enter.
- Apply the Ultra Key effect by dragging it onto your video file in the timeline.
Step 5: Choose Your Key Color
After applying the Ultra Key effect:
- Go to the "Effect Controls" panel.
- Select the eyedropper tool next to "Key Color" under the Ultra Key effect.
- Click on the color in the video you want to make transparent. This is typically your background.
Step 6: Fine-Tune Your Key Effect
To fine-tune your key effect:
- Go to the "Effect Controls" panel.
- Adjust the parameters under the Ultra Key effect, such as "Transparency" and "Shadow," to improve the quality of your key effect.
Step 7: Insert Your New Background
Finally, you can insert your new background:
- Drag your new background from the project panel to the timeline. Ensure it is below the video file.
- Extend the duration of the new background to match your video file.
Conclusion
The ability to change the background in a video opens up a plethora of opportunities to enhance your video content's aesthetics, context, and overall appeal. By using the steps outlined above with Adobe Premiere Pro or a similar video editing software, you can master this skill and take your video projects to the next level.
Remember, as with any skill, changing a video's background requires practice and experimentation. Don't hesitate to experiment with different backgrounds, key effects, and editing tools to achieve the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the background of a video using mobile apps?
Yes, several mobile apps allow you to change the background in a video. Some examples include KineMaster, PowerDirector, and VivaVideo.
Can I change the background of a live video during a call or a meeting?
Yes, many video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype allow you to change or blur the background during a call or meeting.
Is it possible to change the background of a video for free?
Absolutely, several free software and mobile apps allow you to change video backgrounds. Examples include OBS, VSDC Free Video Editor, and iMovie for macOS and iOS users.
Can I use any image as a background for my video?
Yes, you can use any image as a background for your video, provided it is of high quality and doesn't infringe on any copyrights.
Do I always need a green screen to change the background in a video?
While a green screen helps separate the subject from the background more cleanly, many modern software tools use AI algorithms to separate the subject from the background without the need for a green screen.