Enhancing your video background

When setting up your face cam and background, making the right adjustments can significantly impact the final product. In this phase of the editing workflow, focus on the changes that apply to the entire video. If you're highlighting a small part of the screen, save this for later steps.

Removing unwanted elements

The initial task involves removing distractions such as unwanted borders or marks like the gray border and orange dot. Utilize the transform tool from the effects tab. By using the transform controls, you can crop and refine the video to eliminate undesirable elements.

Cropping and adjustments

Access the inspector with the transform controls by alt-clicking the clip. Enable the crop under image adjustment, zoom and pan to adjust as needed, ensuring the gray border disappears entirely. Balance the crop for both horizontal and vertical pixels, keeping the video's dimensions in mind.

Adding a new background

To add a new background, import an image or generate a solid color. Move your video clips on the timeline using alt to maintain audio track positioning. This step ensures the audio remains unaffected while you manage the visual elements.

Using solid colors

Navigate to the effects menu and select the solid color generator. Drag it to the timeline below your video clips, extending the duration to match the video length. Customize the background color using the inspector, opting for a color that complements your video.

Applying a drop shadow

For added depth, employ a drop shadow to enhance contrast. Apply this effect by dragging it onto your screen clip. Alt-click to access the effects in the inspector, adjusting the drop distance and shadow strength for a subtle enhancement.

Creating a compound clip

To simplify editing, group layers into a compound clip. This collects the edited clips into a singular entity, streamlining the workflow. Maintain the compound clip by accessing it through the media pool if further changes are required, allowing you to adjust aspects like color or shadow.

Relinking and final adjustments

Ensure your clips are linked post-editing to maintain synchronization. If necessary, right-click to re-link clips, ensuring any movement keeps all elements together. By completing these adjustments, you enhance the overall appearance and professionalism of your video.

Bringing it all together

Through carefully removing unwanted elements, adding depth with drop shadows, and managing the timeline efficiently, you've polished your video background to a professional level. This process enriches the viewing experience, focusing attention on the content without unnecessary distractions.

In the next steps, we'll delve into the world of zooming and animation to further enhance your screencasting production.