This Article Aim to Teach You How to Make a Night to Day Effect Video with Filmora. Follow the Steps to Figure It Out

Do you wish you could control when it’s nighttime to daytime? It would make getting ready in the morning much faster! This tutorial will show you how to use the keyframe and mask feature in Filmora to make a remarkable night-to-day transition.

How-to Guide

1) Preparation

For this effect, you will need to shoot two footage shots with the same frame. The first is for the daytime clip, and the second is for nighttime.

But before that, you need to prepare some things, such as:

1. Tripod to ensure your camera stays at the same point, so the frame doesn’t change.
2. Mark the place where you want to shoot the scene. You can put a marker on the floor to ensure that you perform at the same spot in different shots.

Once done, let’s start shooting to get the footage.

2) Steps

Shooting footages

First, get the daytime shot. For this tutorial, we will pretend that you are walking and transitioning into nighttime at the spot you have marked.

Now, let’s film the nighttime clip. You will walk through the living room and do the same movement again at the same spot. You can dim the light and change the camera’s white balance settings to bluer to create a night feeling.

After you have both clips that you need, let’s go to Filmora and start editing.

Night-to-day transition

Step1 Launch Filmora and import the footage into the program. If you haven’t installed it, you can download Filmora on their website here: https://filmora.wondershare.com

Step2 Place the nighttime video clip on the first video track of the timeline and place the daytime clip on the top.

Step3 Find the spot where you want to create a transition between the day and nighttime. Then, you can delete the unwanted part.

Step4 Since the transition for this tutorial is where the subject started waving, make sure to place the daytime clip at the same time the subject started waving in the nighttime clip. Hence, the timing in both clips syncs.

Masking transition

For the next step, we will make a masking transition with the Filmora mask feature.

Step1 Double-click the daytime clip on the timeline. In the Filmora setting, find the Mask section > Circle. You can see the mask is applied in the preview screen.

Step2 Scroll down the setting and click add a keyframe at the beginning of the clip.

Step3 Change the scale of the mask to the smallest number and adjust the Width and Height down to 0. You can set the blur strength to 15 to make the transition edge smoother.

Step4 Move the play head to find the spot where you want the mask fully opens up, then add another keyframe. Change the scale of the mask to 2 and the Width and Height to 50. Make sure the mask occupies the whole frame.

Now, if you play back, you can see the nighttime becomes daytime through the mask.

If the movement in the two clips is a bit off, you can fix it by adding more keyframes on the mask.

3) Pro tips

You can add one more effect in Filmora to make it more magical. To do this, open the Effects window on the top left and find “Heartbeat” under the Basic section.

Drag and drop it onto the third video track and start the effect when the mask opens up. Then, trim the effect length to match the movement. Adjust the speed of this effect if needed.

The final result will look like this:

Summary

That is how to do this night-to-day transition night-to-day time shift effect in Filmora. By the end of this tutorial, you should be able to use the masking transition technique. You can apply and adjust it based on your needs.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Looking for the Steps to Add Transitions Effects in Premiere Pro? Here Are the Steps to Add and Edit Transitions in Premiere Pro and an Alternative Way to Video Transitions

Shooting a video is a job half done and editing the video is equally important. The way you edit your recorded video determines how good your video will look in the end. When it comes to professional video editing, Adobe Premiere Pro is the most preferred premium video editor. Premiere Pro comes with a wide range of transitions to apply in your videos and make jump-cuts smooth for the eyes.

Premiere Pro is not the most user-friendly video editor, and the learning curve is rather steep. That is why you need to know how to add transitions in Premiere accurately so that the cuts in your videos look eye-soothing. You also need to learn about how to edit the transition effects in Premier Pro to suit your requirements and preferences. We have illustrated how to add and edit transitions in Premium Pro as well as mentioned an alternative way to add video transitions easily.

Part 1. How to add transitions in Premiere

Adding transitions to videos is very common in video editing. Premiere Pro is popular for its variety of video transition effects. Applying video transition effects in Premiere Pro is very easy. You get access to transitions from Effects panel that is located at the topmost bar. Here are the steps on how to add transition effects in Premiere Pro.

Step1 Open Adobe Premiere Pro and go to File> Import. Select a video clip from your hard drive and click on Open button.

Step2 Drag the video clip from the Project panel and drop it to Timeline for adding transitions.

Step3 Go to Effects tab located at the top and click on Video transitions option.

Step4 You will see different categories of video transitions and select your desired transition.

Step5 Click and drag the selected transition and drop it to the Timeline and place it anywhere on the clip where you want the transition to play.

Generally, a video transition is placed in between two video clips so that jumping from one clip to another is seamless. After placing the transition, play the video to check out how it looks.

Part 2. How to edit transitions in Premiere

Now that you know how to add transition Premiere Pro, you should also know how to edit the transitions after applying them. This is because when you drag and drop the transition on the Timeline, the transition comes with default duration. You can edit the duration as per your video requirements. Besides, Premiere Pro lets you edit different settings of the video transitions for customization. Here are the steps on how to edit transitions in Premiere.

Step1 Click on the transition you have applied on the Timeline.

Step2 Go to Effect Controls tab located at the top by the side of Effects tab.

Step3 You will see a mini timeline under Effect Controls and labels A and B denoting the start and end time.

Step4 You can adjust the slider below A label to change the start time of the transition. Similarly, you can change the slider below B label to change the end time of the transition.

Step5 Instead of setting the start and end time of the transition, you can set the duration of the transition as a whole. Go to Duration option located above A and B labels and drag right and left to change the duration.

Step6 You can also change the Alignment to place the transition as a Center at cut, Star at Cut, and End at cut of video clips.

You can play the video and watch the changes you make to the transitions in real-time. Different transitions will have different options under Effect Controls tab.

Part 3. Premiere alternative way to add video transitions

There could be multiple reasons why you are looking for a Premiere alternative ways to add video transitions. You might be finding Premiere Pro difficult to learn. Besides, you may not be satisfied with the collection of video transitions in Premiere Pro. We recommend Wondershare Filmora as the best Premiere alternative to add video transitions to your video clips.

Filmora is a professional video editor like Premiere Pro but there are more transition effects available. Filmora team keeps on adding latest and trending transitions from time to time and you can download them easily. In fact, Filmora is a more user-friendly video editor in comparison to Premiere Pro. That is why Filmora is equally popular among beginners and professionals in video editing. Here is how to add video transitions in Filmora .

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Step1 Open Filmora and click on New Project. Drag and drop your video clips under Project Media folder.

Step2 Drag and drop the video clips on Timeline. If it is one video clip, you can cut it into multiple clips to add transitions in between them.

Step3 There are different categories of transition effects and drag and drop your desired transition on the Timeline.

Step4 Place the transitions in between video clips and drag the transition as per the duration requirements. Play the video and once you are satisfied, click on Export button to save the video.

Part 4. Related FAQs about Premiere Transitions

How do I add transitions to all clips in Premiere?

Import all the video clips to Timeline in Premiere. Go to Effects> Video Transitions and drag and drop the video transitions of your choice to Timeline. You should place the transitions in between the video clips and adjust their duration as per your requirements for smoother transition for jump cuts.

Where are the transitions in Premiere Pro?

The transitions are present under Effects tab located at the topmost bar. There are different types of video transitions as well as audio transitions available. If you are looking for how to add text transitions in Premiere Pro, you can type the text and add effects from Graphics tab.

How to add transitions to photos in Premiere Pro?

Adding transitions to photos in Premiere Pro is the same as videos. Therefore, you should import photos to Project panel and drag and drop them to Timeline. Go to Effects> Video Transitions and drop the selected transitions in between the photos.

Conclusion

We have illustrated how to add a transition in Premiere in simple steps. Besides, we have also explained how to edit the transitions in Premiere to fit in your video clips perfectly. If you are looking for an alternative to Premiere Pro for adding video transitions, we recommend Wondershare Filmora where there are more transitions, and the user interface is super easy and intuitive.

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Step1 Open Filmora and click on New Project. Drag and drop your video clips under Project Media folder.

Step2 Drag and drop the video clips on Timeline. If it is one video clip, you can cut it into multiple clips to add transitions in between them.

Step3 There are different categories of transition effects and drag and drop your desired transition on the Timeline.

Step4 Place the transitions in between video clips and drag the transition as per the duration requirements. Play the video and once you are satisfied, click on Export button to save the video.

Part 4. Related FAQs about Premiere Transitions

How do I add transitions to all clips in Premiere?

Import all the video clips to Timeline in Premiere. Go to Effects> Video Transitions and drag and drop the video transitions of your choice to Timeline. You should place the transitions in between the video clips and adjust their duration as per your requirements for smoother transition for jump cuts.

Where are the transitions in Premiere Pro?

The transitions are present under Effects tab located at the topmost bar. There are different types of video transitions as well as audio transitions available. If you are looking for how to add text transitions in Premiere Pro, you can type the text and add effects from Graphics tab.

How to add transitions to photos in Premiere Pro?

Adding transitions to photos in Premiere Pro is the same as videos. Therefore, you should import photos to Project panel and drag and drop them to Timeline. Go to Effects> Video Transitions and drop the selected transitions in between the photos.

Conclusion

We have illustrated how to add a transition in Premiere in simple steps. Besides, we have also explained how to edit the transitions in Premiere to fit in your video clips perfectly. If you are looking for an alternative to Premiere Pro for adding video transitions, we recommend Wondershare Filmora where there are more transitions, and the user interface is super easy and intuitive.

How to Concatenate Videos Using FFmpeg

Video editing is a crucial aspect of creating content for many people. Whether you’re a YouTuber, a marketer, or just someone who wants to share videos with friends and family, being able to edit and manipulate your videos is key. One of the most basic video editing tasks is concatenating videos, which combines multiple files to create one cohesive video.

FFmpeg is a powerful tool that allows you to do just that, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of FFmpeg concatenate videos. Whether a beginner or an experienced video editor, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to seamlessly merge your videos. From installation to execution, we’ll cover it all so you can streamline your video editing process.

Overview and Installation of FFmpeg

FFmpeg is free, open-source project that allows you to record, convert, and stream digital audio and video. It is a command-line tool widely used in video editing and transcoding. FFmpeg can be used to concatenate videos and other tasks, such as adding subtitles, changing video resolution, and more. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it a versatile and accessible tool for anyone to use.

Here’s how to install FFmpeg:

Step1 Log in to your Ubuntu server via SSH and update the package index.

$ sudo apt update

Step2 Install FFmpeg and all the required dependencies

$ sudo apt install ffmpeg

Step3 Verify the version of FFmpeg that you’ve installed.

$ ffmpeg -version

Prerequisite

Before we merge videos using FFmpeg, we must understand the various methods available to us. FFmpeg offers three ways to concatenate videos: a demuxer, a filter, or a protocol. However, each method has its own set of considerations, and the best method for you will depend on the properties of the videos you’re working with.

It’s crucial to ensure that all encoding-related properties align with your chosen method. This includes the timebase, height and width, codecs, and pixel format. Some methods require the videos you’re merging to have the same encoding, while others allow for different encodings. It’s essential to keep this in mind to ensure that the final video is seamless without any breaks. Remember that these prerequisites will help you have a smooth process.

Concatenate Videos With Same Codecs Using FFmpeg

If the videos you want to concatenate have the same codec, you can use the FFmpeg “concat” demuxer or protocol to join them together. This simple and efficient method doesn’t require re-encoding the videos, saving time and preserving the original quality. This section will review the steps to concatenate videos using the “concat” demuxer and “concat” protocols in FFmpeg.

Merge Videos With the “Concat” Demuxer

The concat demuxer in FFmpeg allows you to join together multiple video files with the same codecs by reading a list of file paths from a text file and demuxing them in sequence. Each video starts where the previous one finishes without needing to re-encode the videos. Here’s how to do it:

Step1 Create a .txt file and list the paths of the video files you want to merge.

Join_video.txt

file /Users/Video/input1.mp4

file /Users/Video/input2.mp4

Note: You can add more than two video files.

Step2 Run the FFmpeg command:

ffmpeg -f concat -safe 0 -i join_video.txt -c copy output_demuxer.mp4

Note: -safe 0 is added to accept any file name.

-c copy will copy all the streams.

As this method allows you to “stream copy” the files instead of re-encoding them, the concatenation is very fast. This can be a good option if you have videos with the same codecs and want to join them quickly without losing quality.

Join Videos With the “Concat” Protocol

The concat protocol in FFmpeg allows you to join together multiple video files in a specific format that supports file-level concatenation, such as MPEG-2 TS. However, it cannot be used for other video formats like MP4 and WEBM.

Here’s how to use the “concat protocol:

Step1 Run the FFmpeg command:

ffmpeg -i “concat:input1.ts|input2.ts” -c copy output_protocol.ts

Note: The concat protocol allows you to “stream copy” the files by adding the option -c copy.

Step2 Input the file name of the video using this code:

ffmpeg -i “concat:input1.mp4|input2.mp4” -c copy output_protocol.mp4

Note: If you try to use this method on video formats that are not supported, only the first input video will be saved in the output video. And the video ends after the first video.

Although this method is limited in terms of supported video formats, it’s very easy to use if you merge videos in the supported formats. It’s a single command in the terminal without needing a text file. Additionally, using the -c copy option makes it efficient as it doesn’t require re-encoding, saving time.

Concatenate MP4 Video Files of Different Codecs & Resolutions Using FFmpeg

If the videos you want to concatenate have different codecs or resolutions, you can still use FFmpeg to join them together. However, this method requires re-encoding the videos, which can take longer and may result in a loss of quality. This section will cover the steps to concatenate videos with different codecs or resolutions using FFmpeg.

Here’s how to do it:

Step1 Provide the names of the input files to FFmpeg.

ffmpeg -i file1.mp4 -i file2.mp4 -i file3.mp4 \

Step2 Use the filter_complex filtergraph parameter to instruct FFmpeg from where to take the audio and video.

-filter_complex “[0:v] [0:a] [1:v] [1:a] [2:v] [2:a]

Note: [0:v][0:a] means FFmpeg needs to take the video and audio from the 0th video (file1.mp4).

Step3 Tell FFmpeg to concatenate three files (n=3).

concat=n=3:v=1:a=1 [vv] [aa]“ \

Note: The v=1:a=1 implies one stream for the audio and one stream for the video.

Step4 Map these audio and video outputs to the final video container. This is done as follows:

-map “[vv]“ -map “[aa]“ mergedVideo.mp4

It is important to note that this method requires re-encoding the videos, which can take more time and may result in a loss of quality. However, it offers the flexibility of filtering the videos before concatenating them. The filter_complex method in FFmpeg allows you to concatenate videos of different codecs and resolutions. The final step is to map the audio and video outputs to the final video container. This can be done using the -map command.

Concatenate Videos With Multiple Audio Streams Using FFmpeg

Concatenating videos with multiple audio streams can be more complex than concatenating videos with a single audio stream. This section will cover the steps to concatenate videos with multiple audio streams using FFmpeg. We’ll be using the filter_complex method in FFmpeg, which allows you to manipulate and concatenate multiple audio and video streams in a single command. This method is more advanced but allows you to join videos with different audio streams and create a final video with multiple audio tracks.

Step1 Specify the input files and opening.mkv, episode.mkv, and ending.mkv:

$ ffmpeg -i opening.mkv -i episode.mkv -i ending.mkv -filter_complex

Step2 Use the filter_complex parameter in FFmpeg to specify the input streams for the video and audio.

[0:0] [0:1] [0:2] [1:0] [1:1] [1:2] [2:0] [2:1] [2:2]

Note: Single video stream ([0:0], [1:0], [2:0])

Dual audio streams ([0:1][0:2], [1:1][1:2], [2:1][2:2])

Step3 Use the concat filter to specify that you want to concatenate 3 files (n=3) with 1 video stream (v=1) and 2 audio streams (a=2). Specify the output streams as [v], [a1], [a2]:

concat=n=3:v=1:a=2 [v] [a1] [a2]

Step4 Use the -map option to map the output streams to the final video container:

-map ‘[v]‘ -map ‘[a1]‘ -map ‘[a2]‘ output.mkv

[Bonus] Join Videos Together With Filmora

While FFmpeg offers a wide range of options for joining videos together, it can have a steep learning curve for some users. An alternative method for joining videos is using Filmora. Wondershare Filmora is a user-friendly video editing software that allows you to easily join multiple videos. It’s a great option for users new to video editing or needing experience with command-line tools like FFmpeg.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora has a simple drag-and-drop interface, making adding, arranging, and editing videos and audio tracks easy. Additionally, it offers various features like split, trim, crop, merge, and more. It also has various effects, transitions, and animations to enhance the overall look of your video. With Filmora, you can create professional-looking videos with minimal effort.

How-to Steps

Here’s how to merge videos using Filmora:

Step1 Open Filmora and click “New Project.”

Step2 Go to “File“ > “Import Media“ > “Import Media Files“ to add your video files to the media library.

Step3 Drag and drop the files you want to merge from the media library to the timeline, and then you’ll get the merged video seamlessly.

Step4 Edit your video.

Step5 After editing, click the “Export“ tab to save your videos.

Conclusion

FFmpeg is a powerful tool that allows you to concatenate videos in various ways. Whether you’re working with videos of the same codecs and resolutions or videos with multiple audio streams, FFmpeg can handle it. However, for users new to video editing or needing experience with command-line tools, using Filmora can be a more user-friendly option. It offers a simple drag-and-drop interface and a variety of features and effects to enhance the overall look of your video.

Step2 Run the FFmpeg command:

ffmpeg -f concat -safe 0 -i join_video.txt -c copy output_demuxer.mp4

Note: -safe 0 is added to accept any file name.

-c copy will copy all the streams.

As this method allows you to “stream copy” the files instead of re-encoding them, the concatenation is very fast. This can be a good option if you have videos with the same codecs and want to join them quickly without losing quality.

Join Videos With the “Concat” Protocol

The concat protocol in FFmpeg allows you to join together multiple video files in a specific format that supports file-level concatenation, such as MPEG-2 TS. However, it cannot be used for other video formats like MP4 and WEBM.

Here’s how to use the “concat protocol:

Step1 Run the FFmpeg command:

ffmpeg -i “concat:input1.ts|input2.ts” -c copy output_protocol.ts

Note: The concat protocol allows you to “stream copy” the files by adding the option -c copy.

Step2 Input the file name of the video using this code:

ffmpeg -i “concat:input1.mp4|input2.mp4” -c copy output_protocol.mp4

Note: If you try to use this method on video formats that are not supported, only the first input video will be saved in the output video. And the video ends after the first video.

Although this method is limited in terms of supported video formats, it’s very easy to use if you merge videos in the supported formats. It’s a single command in the terminal without needing a text file. Additionally, using the -c copy option makes it efficient as it doesn’t require re-encoding, saving time.

Concatenate MP4 Video Files of Different Codecs & Resolutions Using FFmpeg

If the videos you want to concatenate have different codecs or resolutions, you can still use FFmpeg to join them together. However, this method requires re-encoding the videos, which can take longer and may result in a loss of quality. This section will cover the steps to concatenate videos with different codecs or resolutions using FFmpeg.

Here’s how to do it:

Step1 Provide the names of the input files to FFmpeg.

ffmpeg -i file1.mp4 -i file2.mp4 -i file3.mp4 \

Step2 Use the filter_complex filtergraph parameter to instruct FFmpeg from where to take the audio and video.

-filter_complex “[0:v] [0:a] [1:v] [1:a] [2:v] [2:a]

Note: [0:v][0:a] means FFmpeg needs to take the video and audio from the 0th video (file1.mp4).

Step3 Tell FFmpeg to concatenate three files (n=3).

concat=n=3:v=1:a=1 [vv] [aa]“ \

Note: The v=1:a=1 implies one stream for the audio and one stream for the video.

Step4 Map these audio and video outputs to the final video container. This is done as follows:

-map “[vv]“ -map “[aa]“ mergedVideo.mp4

It is important to note that this method requires re-encoding the videos, which can take more time and may result in a loss of quality. However, it offers the flexibility of filtering the videos before concatenating them. The filter_complex method in FFmpeg allows you to concatenate videos of different codecs and resolutions. The final step is to map the audio and video outputs to the final video container. This can be done using the -map command.

Concatenate Videos With Multiple Audio Streams Using FFmpeg

Concatenating videos with multiple audio streams can be more complex than concatenating videos with a single audio stream. This section will cover the steps to concatenate videos with multiple audio streams using FFmpeg. We’ll be using the filter_complex method in FFmpeg, which allows you to manipulate and concatenate multiple audio and video streams in a single command. This method is more advanced but allows you to join videos with different audio streams and create a final video with multiple audio tracks.

Step1 Specify the input files and opening.mkv, episode.mkv, and ending.mkv:

$ ffmpeg -i opening.mkv -i episode.mkv -i ending.mkv -filter_complex

Step2 Use the filter_complex parameter in FFmpeg to specify the input streams for the video and audio.

[0:0] [0:1] [0:2] [1:0] [1:1] [1:2] [2:0] [2:1] [2:2]

Note: Single video stream ([0:0], [1:0], [2:0])

Dual audio streams ([0:1][0:2], [1:1][1:2], [2:1][2:2])

Step3 Use the concat filter to specify that you want to concatenate 3 files (n=3) with 1 video stream (v=1) and 2 audio streams (a=2). Specify the output streams as [v], [a1], [a2]:

concat=n=3:v=1:a=2 [v] [a1] [a2]

Step4 Use the -map option to map the output streams to the final video container:

-map ‘[v]‘ -map ‘[a1]‘ -map ‘[a2]‘ output.mkv

[Bonus] Join Videos Together With Filmora

While FFmpeg offers a wide range of options for joining videos together, it can have a steep learning curve for some users. An alternative method for joining videos is using Filmora. Wondershare Filmora is a user-friendly video editing software that allows you to easily join multiple videos. It’s a great option for users new to video editing or needing experience with command-line tools like FFmpeg.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora has a simple drag-and-drop interface, making adding, arranging, and editing videos and audio tracks easy. Additionally, it offers various features like split, trim, crop, merge, and more. It also has various effects, transitions, and animations to enhance the overall look of your video. With Filmora, you can create professional-looking videos with minimal effort.

How-to Steps

Here’s how to merge videos using Filmora:

Step1 Open Filmora and click “New Project.”

Step2 Go to “File“ > “Import Media“ > “Import Media Files“ to add your video files to the media library.

Step3 Drag and drop the files you want to merge from the media library to the timeline, and then you’ll get the merged video seamlessly.

Step4 Edit your video.

Step5 After editing, click the “Export“ tab to save your videos.

Conclusion

FFmpeg is a powerful tool that allows you to concatenate videos in various ways. Whether you’re working with videos of the same codecs and resolutions or videos with multiple audio streams, FFmpeg can handle it. However, for users new to video editing or needing experience with command-line tools, using Filmora can be a more user-friendly option. It offers a simple drag-and-drop interface and a variety of features and effects to enhance the overall look of your video.

Guiding Principles of Track Matte and Tracking in Adobe After Effects

The realm of video editing has seen significant progress in recent years. With premium tools such as Adobe After Effects, you can take your videos to the next level. However, not every tool is easy to navigate. Some features in popular video editing software can be hard to get around.

The following guide provides valuable insight on how to use Track Matte in After Effects. Explore the endless possibilities of Track Mattes After Effects and Mask Tracking in After Effects. Also, discover a simple alternative to make After Effects mask tracking easy.

AI Smart Masking Spice up your video content with the endless possibilities of AI masking functions!

Free Download Free Download Learn More

Part 1: How to Utilize Track Mattes in Adobe After Effects?

After Effects by Adobe is a software application dedicated to visual effects and motion graphics for videos. The tool is commonly used in the post-production process of videos. The wide toolset of After Effects can be useful in filmmaking, video gaming, and TV. After Effects offers everything you need to take your creative inspirations to the next level.

• Motion Graphics: After Effects lets users animate characters and backgrounds in videos. You can generate 3-dimensional models from 2D animations. After Effects also supports the animation of logos to bring your elements to life.
• Rotoscoping: You can remove elements or drop new ones in your video using After Effects. The Roto Brush Tool can easily separate the background and foreground. You can then replace unwanted objects and replace them with new elements.
• Motion Tracking: Tracking the movement of an object is quite simple in After Effects. You can pin any element to a moving object. The smooth dynamics can enhance the overall result of the footage.
• VFX and Special Effects: After Effects is the perfect tool to add special effects to your videos. Its VFX tool lets users add magic to the footage. You can make objects disappear, control the weather, stabilize your video, and more.

Using Track Mattes in After Effects

In Adobe After Effects, a track matte is a layer that defines the transparency of another layer. It acts as a stencil, determining which parts of the underlying layer are visible and which are transparent. Track mattes are used for creating various effects such as text animations, transitions, and seamlessly composing multiple layers. After Effects offers four Track Matte options:

• Alpha Matte: Alpha matte in After Effects allows white areas in the matte layer to become visible while black areas become transparent. Effectively, this helps the underlying layer to show through.
• Alpha Inverted Matte: In an alpha inverted matte, black areas in the matte layer are visible, and white areas are transparent. It reverses the transparency values to create unique effects.
• Luma Matte: A luma matte uses the brightness values of the matte layer to determine visibility. Bright areas in the matte layer are visible, while dark areas are transparent.
• Luma Inverted Matte: The luma inverted matte works opposite to the luma matte. The top layer’s dark areas are visible, while bright areas are transparent.

You can use any of the track mattes in After Effects according to your requirements. Following is a step-by-step guide on how to use track mattes:

Step 1

To apply a track matte to your video, you must work with two layers. The top layer acts as the alpha or the luminance layer. The bottom layer acts as the fill. Once you have identified the layers, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2

Go to the “Modes” column and open the dropdown menu next to “Layer List.” Here, select the layer you wish to use as the track matte.

Step 3

You will see two toggle switches once you select your layer. You can use these switches and the available options to set the transparency for the Track Matte. You can add alpha matte in After Effects or other types from here.

Part 2: Performing Mask Tracking With Adobe After Effects: Reviewing the Steps

Another remarkable feature that After Effects offers is mask tracking. Using After Effects mask tracking, you can automatically animate a mask’s position, shape, or path. This is done to match the movement of an object in a video clip. You can now easily deal with complex or fast-moving footage with this feature. To use Track Mask in After Effects, you can follow these steps:

Step 1

Import the footage you wish to edit in After Effects. Select the clip you wish to track from the timeline. Then, select the “Pen” tool from the top toolbar or press G on your keyboard. Select the area around the object you wish to mask in the footage.

Step 2

Now, open the layer and right-click on the mask name to select “Track Mask.” This will open the mask tracker in the tracker panel at the right. Open the dropdown menu next to the “Method” option. Here, you can find a range of options for tracking methods. Choose the one according to your requirements. If the object isn’t moving much, you can choose a simple option such as “Position.”

Step 3

Tap the “Analyze Forward” icon and let the tracker analyze the frames in the clip. Once the process has finished, you can restart your clip and set “Mask Mode” from the timeline to “Subtract.” This will remove the selected object from the clip.

Step 4

To fill in the details, go to the “Window” menu from the top and select “Content Aware Fill.” Once you see the panel on the screen, set the “Alpha Extension” slider to a number of your choice and click on “Generate Fill Layer.”

Part 3: How to Make Masking Easy? Try Wondershare Filmora

Although After Effects is a great tool for professional-quality video editing, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Features such as motion track masks in After Effects are challenging to navigate. Novice users can face trouble getting around the complex masking process in After Effects. For a simpler alternative, you can try Wondershare Filmora .

Filmora is the complete solution when it comes to video editing. The multi-platform tool offers a range of useful features for video and audio manipulation. With thousands of built-in templates and presets, Filmora can help users kick-start their creative journey. You can use this easy-to-use tool as the perfect alternative to After Effects mask tracking.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Main Highlights of Wondershare Filmora

Filmora offers a comprehensive toolset to help users make the most of their media files. Some useful resources provided by Wondershare Filmora include:

• AI Text-Based Editing: Filmora allows users to convert audio from videos into editable text. This can help you easily modify your video content. The feature can be used for quick transcriptions, subtitles, and translations.

• Speed Ramping: Using Filmora, users can apply professional speed effects in footage. You can adjust your video speed and create unique cinematic effects in no time. Filmora also helps maintain the audio pitch to avoid abrupt changes.

• Compound Clip: Filmora can help users merge multiple clips into a single footage. You can obtain complete control over the integrated clip for editing. This can help users manage and adjust multiple clips easily.

• AI Vocal Remover: The Vocal Remover tool of Filmora offers AI power to separate vocals and music from any audio. You can get separate acapella and vocals for various purposes. From karaoke to creative dubs, everything is now possible with Filmora.

Using AI Smart Masking in Filmora – A Step-by-Step Guide

Filmora offers an AI-powered masking feature for users. This allows automatic recognition and selection of objects in videos. You can create seamless transitions, color-correct elements, remove background, and more. The tool can easily detect and separate objects, so you don’t have to put in manual effort. Here is the step-by-step guide for AI smart masking using Filmora:

Step 1: Import Footage in Filmora

Install and launch Wondershare Filmora on your device. From the homepage, tap “New Project” and go to the “File” tab from the top. Tap “Import Media” in the dropdown menu and insert your video clips into the timeline.

Step 2: Enable AI Mask

Select your clip in the timeline and go to the “Video” tab from the right panel. Select the “Mask” option and tap the “AI Mask” icon. Under the section, you can choose from options such as “Select Character” or “Smart Brush.” Select one according to your requirements and hit “Add Mask.”

Step 3: Adjust Mask Settings and Export File

After you apply the masking option, you can adjust other mask settings. Filmora allows users to set the expansion range, blur strength, opacity, and other aspects. Once satisfied with the results, tap the “Export” button from the top-right corner and choose a pathway to save your video.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Conclusion

Adobe After Effects is an industry-standard tool for video editing and manipulation. Track Mattes and Track Masks in After Effects are valuable tools that can help elevate your video’s potential. For a simple and effective alternative, you can try Wondershare Filmora. The tool uses smart masking using AI to make the process easier.

Free Download Free Download Learn More

Part 1: How to Utilize Track Mattes in Adobe After Effects?

After Effects by Adobe is a software application dedicated to visual effects and motion graphics for videos. The tool is commonly used in the post-production process of videos. The wide toolset of After Effects can be useful in filmmaking, video gaming, and TV. After Effects offers everything you need to take your creative inspirations to the next level.

• Motion Graphics: After Effects lets users animate characters and backgrounds in videos. You can generate 3-dimensional models from 2D animations. After Effects also supports the animation of logos to bring your elements to life.
• Rotoscoping: You can remove elements or drop new ones in your video using After Effects. The Roto Brush Tool can easily separate the background and foreground. You can then replace unwanted objects and replace them with new elements.
• Motion Tracking: Tracking the movement of an object is quite simple in After Effects. You can pin any element to a moving object. The smooth dynamics can enhance the overall result of the footage.
• VFX and Special Effects: After Effects is the perfect tool to add special effects to your videos. Its VFX tool lets users add magic to the footage. You can make objects disappear, control the weather, stabilize your video, and more.

Using Track Mattes in After Effects

In Adobe After Effects, a track matte is a layer that defines the transparency of another layer. It acts as a stencil, determining which parts of the underlying layer are visible and which are transparent. Track mattes are used for creating various effects such as text animations, transitions, and seamlessly composing multiple layers. After Effects offers four Track Matte options:

• Alpha Matte: Alpha matte in After Effects allows white areas in the matte layer to become visible while black areas become transparent. Effectively, this helps the underlying layer to show through.
• Alpha Inverted Matte: In an alpha inverted matte, black areas in the matte layer are visible, and white areas are transparent. It reverses the transparency values to create unique effects.
• Luma Matte: A luma matte uses the brightness values of the matte layer to determine visibility. Bright areas in the matte layer are visible, while dark areas are transparent.
• Luma Inverted Matte: The luma inverted matte works opposite to the luma matte. The top layer’s dark areas are visible, while bright areas are transparent.

You can use any of the track mattes in After Effects according to your requirements. Following is a step-by-step guide on how to use track mattes:

Step 1

To apply a track matte to your video, you must work with two layers. The top layer acts as the alpha or the luminance layer. The bottom layer acts as the fill. Once you have identified the layers, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2

Go to the “Modes” column and open the dropdown menu next to “Layer List.” Here, select the layer you wish to use as the track matte.

Step 3

You will see two toggle switches once you select your layer. You can use these switches and the available options to set the transparency for the Track Matte. You can add alpha matte in After Effects or other types from here.

Part 2: Performing Mask Tracking With Adobe After Effects: Reviewing the Steps

Another remarkable feature that After Effects offers is mask tracking. Using After Effects mask tracking, you can automatically animate a mask’s position, shape, or path. This is done to match the movement of an object in a video clip. You can now easily deal with complex or fast-moving footage with this feature. To use Track Mask in After Effects, you can follow these steps:

Step 1

Import the footage you wish to edit in After Effects. Select the clip you wish to track from the timeline. Then, select the “Pen” tool from the top toolbar or press G on your keyboard. Select the area around the object you wish to mask in the footage.

Step 2

Now, open the layer and right-click on the mask name to select “Track Mask.” This will open the mask tracker in the tracker panel at the right. Open the dropdown menu next to the “Method” option. Here, you can find a range of options for tracking methods. Choose the one according to your requirements. If the object isn’t moving much, you can choose a simple option such as “Position.”

Step 3

Tap the “Analyze Forward” icon and let the tracker analyze the frames in the clip. Once the process has finished, you can restart your clip and set “Mask Mode” from the timeline to “Subtract.” This will remove the selected object from the clip.

Step 4

To fill in the details, go to the “Window” menu from the top and select “Content Aware Fill.” Once you see the panel on the screen, set the “Alpha Extension” slider to a number of your choice and click on “Generate Fill Layer.”

Part 3: How to Make Masking Easy? Try Wondershare Filmora

Although After Effects is a great tool for professional-quality video editing, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Features such as motion track masks in After Effects are challenging to navigate. Novice users can face trouble getting around the complex masking process in After Effects. For a simpler alternative, you can try Wondershare Filmora .

Filmora is the complete solution when it comes to video editing. The multi-platform tool offers a range of useful features for video and audio manipulation. With thousands of built-in templates and presets, Filmora can help users kick-start their creative journey. You can use this easy-to-use tool as the perfect alternative to After Effects mask tracking.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Main Highlights of Wondershare Filmora

Filmora offers a comprehensive toolset to help users make the most of their media files. Some useful resources provided by Wondershare Filmora include:

• AI Text-Based Editing: Filmora allows users to convert audio from videos into editable text. This can help you easily modify your video content. The feature can be used for quick transcriptions, subtitles, and translations.

• Speed Ramping: Using Filmora, users can apply professional speed effects in footage. You can adjust your video speed and create unique cinematic effects in no time. Filmora also helps maintain the audio pitch to avoid abrupt changes.

• Compound Clip: Filmora can help users merge multiple clips into a single footage. You can obtain complete control over the integrated clip for editing. This can help users manage and adjust multiple clips easily.

• AI Vocal Remover: The Vocal Remover tool of Filmora offers AI power to separate vocals and music from any audio. You can get separate acapella and vocals for various purposes. From karaoke to creative dubs, everything is now possible with Filmora.

Using AI Smart Masking in Filmora – A Step-by-Step Guide

Filmora offers an AI-powered masking feature for users. This allows automatic recognition and selection of objects in videos. You can create seamless transitions, color-correct elements, remove background, and more. The tool can easily detect and separate objects, so you don’t have to put in manual effort. Here is the step-by-step guide for AI smart masking using Filmora:

Step 1: Import Footage in Filmora

Install and launch Wondershare Filmora on your device. From the homepage, tap “New Project” and go to the “File” tab from the top. Tap “Import Media” in the dropdown menu and insert your video clips into the timeline.

Step 2: Enable AI Mask

Select your clip in the timeline and go to the “Video” tab from the right panel. Select the “Mask” option and tap the “AI Mask” icon. Under the section, you can choose from options such as “Select Character” or “Smart Brush.” Select one according to your requirements and hit “Add Mask.”

Step 3: Adjust Mask Settings and Export File

After you apply the masking option, you can adjust other mask settings. Filmora allows users to set the expansion range, blur strength, opacity, and other aspects. Once satisfied with the results, tap the “Export” button from the top-right corner and choose a pathway to save your video.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Conclusion

Adobe After Effects is an industry-standard tool for video editing and manipulation. Track Mattes and Track Masks in After Effects are valuable tools that can help elevate your video’s potential. For a simple and effective alternative, you can try Wondershare Filmora. The tool uses smart masking using AI to make the process easier.

Also read: