How to Key Out Green Screen in After Effects

Keying out a green screen in After Effects can be a tedious process, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of keying out a green screen using the Keylight effect.

Step 1: Select the Color of the Mask

The first step is to select the color of the mask using the eyedropper tool. This will allow you to isolate your subject from the background and create a clean key. You should see an immediate effect as you select the color.

Step 2: Choose the Right Keying Effect

There are many compositing options available in the 'keying' section of the effects, but for this exercise, we recommend using the Keylight effect. This effect is designed specifically for keying out green screens and will give you the best results.

Step 3: Isolate Your Subject

Once you have selected the color of the mask, use the masking tools to trim out as much of the unwanted area of the frame as possible. You can use the pen tool to draw a rough mask around your subject, cutting out any unwanted sections.

Step 4: Animate the Mask

To animate the shape of the mask, go to the timeline panel and turn keyframes on for the 'Mask Path' property. This will allow you to drag the points of the mask to create a smooth motion throughout the footage.

Tips and Tricks

* Make sure to feather the edges of the mask to help everything blend together.

* If your subject moves out of the mask, simply shift-click on a mask's points to select it individually and adjust its shape accordingly.

* Avoid cutting off too much of the frame, as this can cause the program to color-key incorrectly.

Keying out a green screen in After Effects requires patience and attention to detail, but with these steps, you should be able to achieve professional-looking results. Remember to use the right tools and techniques, and don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. With practice, you can master the art of keying out green screens and create stunning compositing work.

Key out green screen after effects