Setting up your sequence with screen footage

When setting up your sequence, you likely have your talking head and correlating audio in place. Now it's time to add the screen footage onto the timeline. After integrating the screen footage, we'll explore how to crop just the window, allowing for background color replacement and scaling flexibility.

Adding screen footage to the timeline

Start by dragging your screen footage from the project panel onto the timeline. Be cautious, as dragging from the project panel might include an unwanted audio copy. Since we already have our talking head audio, we need to exclude the additional audio track from the screen footage. To do this, double-click the footage to open it in the source monitor and drag the video-only option onto the timeline.

Organizing footage on the timeline

For optimal organization, stack your talking head footage on top. This setup allows for easy full-screen talking head visibility when needed, by simply ensuring the clip is positioned above other tracks. Disable the talking head track to view the underlying screen footage.

Screen footage cropping techniques

Cropping screen footage to display only the window can offer flexibility. You can replace background colors, freely resize, and hide on-screen clutter. However, it's critical to assess whether cropping is viable based on the footage's context, such as when the application's interface is integral to the workflow.

Applying effects directly to screen footage

Although effects are commonly applied to individual clips, applying them to the raw screen footage can streamline the process. This method automatically applies changes to all derived clips. Locate the crop effect in the effects panel and apply it to your screen footage. Adjust the crop settings in the effects controls panel to achieve precise window isolation.

Creating smooth, rounded edges

To refine your footage's edges, use the 'Roughen Edges' effect. Apply it to your screen footage and adjust settings to eliminate waviness, creating smooth, rounded corners. By tweaking parameters like edge type, edge sharpness, and fractal influence, you can achieve a polished, rounded appearance.

Customizing your background

With your screen footage isolated on a transparent background, customize your backdrop by adding a color matte. Create a color matte in the project panel, drag it onto the timeline, and adjust its length as needed. Use editable color settings to personalize the background to your liking, complementing your screencasting project.

Enhancing your screencasting with layers

The layered approach in screencasting allows for comprehensive video creation. With the talking head track positioned above the screen footage and background, you can easily cut between full-screen talking head shots and the screencast. The next step in this project will focus on integrating a face cam layer, optimizing its placement between existing footage for a complete screencasting presentation.

What's next: mastering the face cam layer

In our following video, we'll delve into setting up and refining the face cam layer. This will include positioning it appropriately, enhancing its visual quality, and sharing tips for an aesthetically pleasing end result. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped to incorporate a professional-looking face cam into your screencasting projects.