chroma key
Color-based video compositing
Chroma key is a visual effects technique that replaces a specific color in video footage with another image or background.
The process works by filming subjects against a uniformly colored backdrop—typically bright green or blue—then digitally removing that color and compositing in different scenery.
The weather forecaster stands in front of a green screen, with maps added via chroma key.
The technique is fundamental to modern filmmaking, television production, and video streaming.
Inputting via buttons
- matteNon-reflective surface finish
- color separationIsolating pigment channels for printing
- background removalEliminating surroundings from images
- transparencyState of being see-through
Solid backdrop for compositing
- blue screenFatal system error display
- backdropRear stage scenery
- cycloramaCurved infinite-background wall
- seamlessWithout visible joins
studio · lighting · backlit · fabric · paint · muslin · paper roll · rigging
Forming successive strata
- superimpositionLayering one element over another
- overlayCovering placed atop
- rotoscopingTracing filmed motion frame-by-frame
- maskingConcealing by covering
multi-pass · motion tracking · integration · foreground · plate
Atmospheric conditions prediction
- newsReports of recent events
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
- virtual setComputer-rendered filming location
- real-timeOccurring without processing delay
live action · television · live streaming · video mixer · teleprompter · on-air · studio production · keyer
Creating motion pictures
- VFXDigital film effects
- special effectsArtificial cinematic illusions
- editing softwareApplication for revising files
- color gradingAltering image tones digitally
digital manipulation · image processing · cinematography · post-production · render
keying
Inputting via buttons
- matteNon-reflective surface finish
- color separationIsolating pigment channels for printing
- background removalEliminating surroundings from images
green screen
Solid backdrop for compositing
- blue screenFatal system error display
- backdropRear stage scenery
- cycloramaCurved infinite-background wall
seamless · studio · lighting · backlit · fabric · paint · muslin · paper roll · rigging · wrinkle-free
layering
Forming successive strata
- superimpositionLayering one element over another
- overlayCovering placed atop
- rotoscopingTracing filmed motion frame-by-frame
masking · multi-pass · motion tracking · integration · foreground · plate
weather forecast
Atmospheric conditions prediction
- newsReports of recent events
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
- virtual setComputer-rendered filming location
real-time · live action · television · live streaming · video mixer · teleprompter · on-air · studio production · keyer
filmmaking
Creating motion pictures
- VFXDigital film effects
- special effectsArtificial cinematic illusions
- editing softwareApplication for revising files
color grading · digital manipulation · image processing · cinematography · post-production · render
chroma keypractical effects
Non-digital film techniques
miniatures · forced perspective · location shooting · matte painting · rear projection