How to Chroma Key in Clipchamp: Remove Green Screen

What You’ll Need

A video clip with a solid green or blue background (the subject should be well-lit and not wear clothing matching the background).
Clipchamp installed on your computer (Windows, Mac, or the web version at clipchamp.com). The feature is available in the free plan.
A background image or video to replace the green screen (optional – you can also leave the background transparent).

Step-by-Step

Start a new project – Open Clipchamp and click “Create a new video”. Choose a blank project or a template if you prefer.
Import your media – Click the “Import media” button (or drag files directly into the media library) to add your green screen clip and your background image/video.
Add the green screen clip to the timeline – Drag the green screen video onto the video track (the top track) in the timeline. Make sure it is on a track above where you will place the background.
Add the background – Drag your background image or video onto the track below the green screen clip. If you don’t have a background, you can skip this step – the removed area will be transparent.
Apply the chroma key effect – Select the green screen clip on the timeline. In the preview panel on the right, click the “Color key” (or “Chroma key”) button. It may be under the “Effects” or “Filters” tab, depending on your version. Toggle the effect on.
Adjust the settings – Use the eyedropper tool to click on the green background in the preview. Then fine-tune the sliders (such as “Similarity” or “Smoothness”) to remove the green without making your subject transparent. The background will now show through.

Common Mistakes

Not having even lighting – shadows and bright spots on the green screen make the keying uneven.
Wearing green or blue clothing – the effect will make parts of your subject transparent.
Using a background that is too close to the subject – green spill on the subject’s edges causes a halo.
Forgetting to place the background on a lower track – if both clips are on the same track, the background won’t show.
Over-adjusting the sliders – pushing similarity too high removes parts of the subject.

Tips

Use a high-resolution green screen and shoot in good light – the better the original, the cleaner the key.
Keep the subject at least a few feet away from the green screen to minimize spill.
Use the “Smoothness” slider to soften the edges of your subject.
If your subject has fine hair, a green screen is easier than blue because green is more distinct from skin tones.
Preview the result at full screen to check for artifacts before exporting.

Troubleshooting

The green is not fully removed. Increase the “Similarity” slider gradually. If the subject becomes transparent, lower it slightly. Also check that the eyedropper selected the correct color – click directly on the background, not on a shadow.

The subject has a green outline. This is usually green spill. Try increasing the “Smoothness” or use a slight “Spill reduction” if available. You can also manually zoom in and adjust the sliders to get the best edge.

The background shows through but the subject looks jagged. Lower the “Similarity” a bit and increase the “Smoothness”. If the clip is low resolution, consider using a higher-quality source.

The chroma key button is missing. Make sure you have selected the video clip (not the background) and that it is on the timeline. The feature may be under “Effects” – search for “color key” if you can’t find it. Also update Clipchamp to the latest version.

The background moves when I play the video. That’s expected – the background is on a separate track. If you want a static background, use an image instead of a video.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a blue screen instead of green?

Yes, Clipchamp’s chroma key works with blue backgrounds too. Just select the blue color with the eyedropper.

Does Clipchamp support chroma key in the free version?

Yes, the chroma key feature is available in the free plan. You don’t need a paid subscription.

Can I remove a background without a green screen?

Clipchamp’s chroma key is designed for solid colors. For removing a background without a green screen, you may need a different tool or use the “Remove background” feature if available (not in all versions).

Why does my subject have a green tint on the edges?

That’s green spill – light reflecting from the green screen onto the subject. Increase the “Smoothness” and consider using a “Spill reduction” slider if your version has one.

Can I chroma key a video that has a moving background?

No, the background must be a solid, static color. If your background has patterns or movement, the keying will not work well.

How do I export the video after chroma keying?

Click the “Export” button in the top right, choose a resolution and quality, then click “Export”. Your video will be saved with the background applied.

Sources: Microsoft Support (Clipchamp Help). Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.