How do I create the green screen effect?

Use this step-by-step by guide to create the green screen effect in WeVideo's video editor for any type of project, including tips and best practices.

Create the green screen effect by recording footage in front of a green screen. Add media to the timeline, open the clip editor, use the Keying tool, and adjust color settings as needed.

Create the green screen effect

1. Record footage in front of a green screen. Import to WeVideo as a media file. 

2. Add media to the timeline. 
3. Adjust the video tracks as needed so that Video 1 shows the background and Video 2 shows the green screen clip.

4. Adjust track order by selecting the three dots next to the track.

5. Add a track by selecting the + sign from the left corner menu and selecting track type. 

6. Open the clip editor by highlighting the clip and selecting Edit or double-click the clip to open the editor.

7. Find the Keying tab and select the color picker tool. Click anywhere on the green screen to apply the effect.
8. Adjust color settings in the event of glitches, errors, or poor image quality. 

Fine-tune the following settings:

• Sensitivity: Adjusts the color selection sensitivity. The wider range of colors are removed from the clip when the value increases.
• Defringe: Minimizes color bleeding along the edges of the mask. Left and right sliders adjust the levels of white and black to help match the edges.
• Show Mask: Shows a black-and-white representation of the mask applied to the clip. The black area represents the transparent section and the white represents the sections that are preserved after keying out the selected color. 
• Enhance Shading: Adjusts the sensitivity and defringe options for a better effect and better distinguishes the subject from the background.

Green screen effect best practices

• Record with strong lighting distributed evenly and no shadows.
• Record in front of a solid green or blue background with no creases.
• Record with a camera that’s 720p HD or above when possible to avoid pixelated or grainy quality.
• If using more than two video tracks, place the green screen footage above whichever track holds the background footage to ensure proper layering techniques.
• Toggle off the Show mask option after adjusting the mask to ensure the clip displays properly.

For more support and troubleshooting, visit our Help Center. New to WeVideo? Try for free or contact our team to learn more.