How To Add Green Screen To Video : A Step-by-Step Guide

Green screen features used in video editing and chroma keying are revolutionizing the video editing world. Have you ever wondered how YouTube creators, podcasts, Instagram reels, blockbuster movies, etc show exotic locations, aesthetic themes,  or fantastical worlds without being there? The secret lies in transformative skills of green screen technology where any background can be changed as per your liking. 

Imagine having a tool that can handle your background and change the whole scenario of a video without you having to change your place in just a few minutes. A green screen adds a professional and dynamic touch to any simple footage and compacts the product into a happening art. Read the article ahead to learn how to add a green screen to a video.

What is a Green Screen?

A green screen is a neon green colored physical or digital green background used as a prop in the video creation in the background to shoot a photograph or film the subject and can be replaced in post-production. The green color screen technology has been working since the 19th century and chosen to create art illusions because it contrasts sharply with most human skin tones, anyone barely wears these colors, and helps video editing software to differentiate between the subject and the background, and changes the background.

Green screens are majorly made of various materials like portable screens, fabric, or paint. The green screen setup requires proper lighting to ensure no shadow scattering, or falling unevenly on the shooting area for a smooth editing process during the CGI, or computer-generated imagery.

What is the purpose of a Green Screen in Video? 

The main purpose of adding a green screen is to provide flexibility and creativity in video production. Here are some key reasons why Green Screen used in Videos: 

  1. Adding Visual Effects: Green screens are a great tool for adding creativity to any given video and creating stunning visual effects. This feature allows filmmakers to place actors in whatever settings that are out of their budget, mythical landscapes or imagery situations making unachievable scenes possible.
  1. Cost-Effective Production: This saves money spent on traveling to multiple locations or building expensive sets, in a digital environment which is a cost-effective production for the filmmaker. It also saves the time and resources of the production team. 
  1. Versatility in Content Creation: Green screens offer flexibility to experiment with props, providing versatility in content greetings. The video editors can switch backgrounds effortlessly with the green screen whether it’s for live streaming, YouTube videos, tutorials, or podcast 

How to add Green Screen to Video?

Adding a Green Screen to a video step involves shooting footage against a green background and using video editing software to replace the background as your choice. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to add professionalism to your video through the green screen: 

Step 1: Prepare Your Setup

  • Choose a Green Screen: Use plane green fabric, a painted wall, or a portable green screen. 
  • Set Up Lighting: Use even or softbox light to prevent shadows from falling on the green screen. 
  • Position Your Subject: Position the subjects a few feet away from the green screen to avoid any color spills 
  • Check the Camera Settings: Use high-resolution camera settings for better results. 

Step 2: Record Your Video

  • Test the Setup: Record and test the video against the green screen to check proper lighting or unwanted shadow issues
  • Start Filming: Start filming the subject within the green screen frame throughout the recording.

Step 3: Import Footage into Vidoe Editing Software

  • Choose Vidoe Editing Software: Choose a suitable video editing software like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc 
  • Upload Files: Import the recorded green screen video and the background image or video into the software you want to replace it with.

Step 4: Apply the Chroma Key Effect

  • Search for the Green Screen Feature: Find the ‘Chroma Key’, ‘Green Screen’, or ‘Ultra Key,” feature 
  • Select the Green Background: Select the eyedropper icon to click on the green area in your video. The software will help you remove the green background.

Step 5: Add Your Background

  • Place Background Video or Image: Place the background theme carefully below the green screen video in the timeline. 
  • Adjust Layers: Adjust the layers to ensure the subject is placed in front of the new background.

Step 6: Finely tuning the  Effect

  • Adjust Settings: Adjust the settings for minor and detailed changes in edge blur, tolerance, and shadow settings to improve the realism of the effect.
  • Preview Your Video: Play the video in preview to check before the final draft for correction required in any imperfections or color spills

Step 7: Export Your Video

  • Export Videos: Select the desired resolution of your choice and the file format requirement
  • Save Your Video: Export and save the final product to your device.

By following the above give steps, you can effortlessly add a green screen to your video and achieve a polished, professional look.

How to add a background to Green Screen in a video?

Adding background to a Green Screen prerecorded in a video is made easy with this easy step-by-step guide. Read the article further to know how to add a background to a Green Screen in a Video. 

Step 1: Download a software video editing tool

  • Launch a suitable video editing tool that offers adding a background to a Green Screen and pressing ‘new launch’. 

Step 2: Import Your Files into Editing Software

  • Select a Video Editor: Use top video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, CapCut, canvas, etc. 
  • Upload Files: Import both previously recorded green screen footage and the background image or video into the software.

Step 3: Place Files on the Timeline

  • Background Layer: Drag the background image or video to the first track on the timeline.
  • Green Screen Footage: Place the green screen video on the track above the background layer.

Step 4: Apply the Chroma Key Effect

  • Locate the Chroma Key Tool: Search and locate the ‘Chroma Key,’ or ‘Ultra Key,’ to apply the effect
  • Remove the Green Background:: Select the green color in your footage and it’ll reveal the background of the video

Step 5: Adjust the Green Screen Effect

  • Refine the Keying Effect: Change the effect and refine the overall look by making changes in contrast, tolerance, etc to remove any rough edges.
  • Check for Imperfections: Focus on small details to remove any imperfections.

Step 6: Blend the Subject with the Background

  • Match Colors and Lighting: Adjust the color grading of both to ensure the colors blend well for the subject and background naturally.
  • Scale and Position the Subject: Scale and position the subject on the background to resize or reposition it to give it a realistic effect.

Step 7: Preview Your Work

  • Play the Video: Preview the footage to ensure the overall perfect blend of the video
  • Make Final Adjustments: Tweak any changes or color mismatches.

Step 8: Export the Final Video

  • Choose Export Settings: Choose the desired resolution and file format.
  • Save Your Video: Export the project and save it to your preferred location

These steps can get you to effectively add a background to a green screen video and create visually engaging content. Whether working on a professional project, creating podcast content, or Youtube videos, or experimenting with scenes, this technique can enhance your video production quality.

Conclusion

The above article on how to add a green screen to a video will help you get started with creating professional videos for various online platforms and when working on bigger projects. Adding a green screen is now easy to use and so is editing it with your choice of background that you want to replace it with if it doesn’t suit your aesthetic. Setting up a green screen for a video shoot is easy and managing the subject along with the creation is easy nowadays. It saves time, and resources, and is affordable for anyone looking to enhance their creativity in video production. The Green Screen feature offers versatility and gives special emphasis on the situation shown in a particular scene.

Read More Related Post

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What Is A Timeline In Video Editing?

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What Video Editing Software Does Hollywood Use?

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