Video Notes

Photoshop

transparent background

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZiJ9_QNdRw

To make a video background transparent in Photoshop, you can work with the video timeline feature and export it as a file that supports transparency. Here’s a brief overview:

Open the video file in Photoshop.

Work on the layers: Ensure the video’s layer is unlocked. Use selection tools like Quick Selection or the Lasso Tool to isolate the background.

Create a mask: Add a layer mask to hide or remove the background. Adjust the mask as needed to refine the transparency.

Export with transparency: Go to File > Export > Render Video. In the export settings, choose a format supporting transparency (like QuickTime with Alpha Channel). Make sure to set “Straight-Unmatted” in the Alpha Channel settings.

Since Adobe Firefly cannot directly generate or export videos with transparent backgrounds based on current capabilities[1][8][9], here’s a post-generation workflow using Adobe tools:

Workflow Using Adobe Express + After Effects/Premiere Pro

  1. Generate Video in Firefly Create your video through Firefly’s Text/Image-to-Video tools (exports with a solid background)[10].

  2. Export Key Frames as Images Extract individual frames from the Firefly video (e.g., using Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or third-party tools).

  3. Remove Backgrounds in Adobe Express

    • Open each frame in Adobe Express[6][7][9].
    • Use Remove Background (left panel) to create transparency.
    • Export as PNG with transparency enabled[7].

  4. Reassemble in After Effects/Premiere Pro

    • Import transparent PNG sequences.
    • Reconstruct the video timeline.
    • Export using QuickTime Animation codec (for .mov) or PNG/WebM (for .ogv-like transparency):
      • After Effects:
        Output Module Settings > Format: QuickTime
Video Codec: Animation (RGB+Alpha)
      • Premiere Pro:
        Export Settings > Format: QuickTime
Video Codec: ProRes 4444 (with Alpha Channel)
      (Detailed steps shown in[3][4])

Alternative AI Background Removal Tools

If Adobe Express struggles with complex elements[2][9]:

  • Photoshop Beta: Use AI-powered Object Selection + Remove Background[9].
  • DaVinci Resolve: Paid Rotoscope tool for frame-by-frame masking[2].
  • ClipDrop: AI-based background removal for individual frames[2].

Notes

  • No Direct Firefly Solution: Transparent video export is a requested feature but not yet available[1][8].
  • Format Limitations:
    • .mov (QuickTime) supports alpha channels via ProRes 4444/Animation codecs[3][4].
    • .ogv (Theora) transparency is less common; consider WebM (VP8/VP9 + Alpha) instead[3].

For immediate needs, the PNG sequence + recomposite method remains the most reliable approach.

Citations: [1] https://community.adobe.com/t5/adobe-firefly-bugs/background-removal-does-not-export-transparency/idi-p/14717381 [2] https://www.reddit.com/r/adobeFirefly/comments/1d17fnl/how_to_generate_images_with_transparent/ [3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h07_hxPZaF4 [4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=580IHo1HNjw [5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Wd4Zuyk5Y [6] https://community.adobe.com/t5/adobe-firefly-discussions/bring-back-transparent-saving/m-p/14836745 [7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0jj83M_s08 [8] https://community.adobe.com/t5/idea-adobe-firefly/p:-transparent-background-or-layers/idi-p/13679242 [9] https://community.adobe.com/t5/adobe-firefly-bugs/removing-background-firefly/idi-p/14597694 [10] https://www.reddit.com/r/premiere/comments/1inrroo/generative_video_now_in_adobe_firefly/ [11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6de4akFiNYM

Answer from Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/how-can-i-get-a-transparent-mo-0YdGjAxERiunOhWWQgY2PA?utm_source=copy_output

Adobe Firefly

https://helpx.adobe.com/firefly/work-with-audio-and-video/work-with-video/writing-effective-text-prompts-for-video-generation.html

MOV TO WebP

Converting a .mov file with a transparent background to a WebP animation is a very promising approach for preserving transparency, especially for web use. Here’s what typically happens:

  • WebP Animation and Alpha Channel Support: The WebP format, including its animated version, fully supports an alpha channel. This means it can store transparency information for each frame of the animation.

  • Conversion Process: When you convert a .mov with transparency to an animated WebP, the conversion software should ideally recognize and preserve the alpha channel information. Each frame of the .mov will be translated into a frame of the WebP animation, and the transparent pixels in the .mov frames will remain transparent in the WebP animation.

  • Advantages of Animated WebP with Transparency:

    • Excellent Compression: WebP generally offers better compression than GIF, often resulting in smaller file sizes for the same visual quality.
    • True Alpha Transparency: Unlike GIF, which only supports binary transparency (fully opaque or fully transparent), WebP supports 8-bit alpha transparency, allowing for smooth semi-transparency and feathered edges.
    • Browser Support: Modern web browsers have good support for animated WebP.

  • Tools for Conversion: You can use various tools to convert .mov with transparency to animated WebP:

    • Online Converters: Several online converters claim to support this conversion. Search for “mov to webp animation with transparency online.” However, as with all online tools, be mindful of file size limitations and privacy concerns.
    • FFmpeg: This powerful command-line tool is highly capable of this conversion. You would typically use a command similar to:
      ffmpeg -i input.mov -vf "split[s0][s1];[s0]palettegen=stats_mode=diff[palette];[s1][palette]paletteuse=diff=rectangle" output.webp
      You might need to experiment with different options and filters within FFmpeg to achieve the desired result, especially regarding frame rate and quality. You might also need to ensure your FFmpeg build has WebP encoding enabled.
    • Dedicated Image/Video Editing Software: Some advanced image editing software (though less common for video) or video editing software might offer WebP animation export with alpha channel support.

  • Potential Considerations:

    • Complexity: The conversion process might be slightly more involved than converting between standard video formats.
    • Software Support: Ensure the software you use for conversion properly handles the alpha channel during the WebP encoding process.

In summary:

Converting a .mov file with a transparent background to a WebP animation is a highly viable and recommended approach for preserving transparency, especially for web-based applications. WebP’s support for true alpha transparency and good compression makes it a superior alternative to older formats like GIF for transparent animations. Use appropriate conversion tools and verify the output to ensure the transparency is maintained.

MP4 to WebP

You have several options to convert an MP4 with a green background to a WebP animation with a transparent background. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:

1. Using FFmpeg (Command Line - Recommended for Control):

FFmpeg is a powerful and free command-line tool that offers excellent control over video and image processing.

  • Installation: If you don’t have it already, you’ll need to install FFmpeg. You can find installation instructions for Windows on the official FFmpeg website or through package managers like Chocolatey or Scoop.

  • Command: Open your command prompt or terminal and run a command similar to this:

    ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "chromakey=0x00FF00:tolerance=0.2:blend=yes,split[s0][s1];[s0]palettegen=stats_mode=diff[palette];[s1][palette]paletteuse=diff=rectangle" output.webp

    Explanation of the command:

    • -i input.mp4: Specifies the input MP4 file.
    • -vf "...": Applies a series of video filters.
      • chromakey=0x00FF00:tolerance=0.2:blend=yes: This is the chroma key filter.
        • 0x00FF00: The hexadecimal color code for green (you might need to adjust this slightly if your green is not pure).
        • tolerance=0.2: Sets the tolerance for color similarity. Adjust this value (between 0 and 1) if the green removal isn’t perfect. Lower values are more strict.
        • blend=yes: Smooths the edges after keying.
      • ,split[s0][s1];: Splits the video stream into two identical streams, labeled s0 and s1. This is needed for palette generation.
      • [s0]palettegen=stats_mode=diff[palette];: Generates a color palette from the first stream (s0) using a difference-based method for better animation quality. The palette is stored as [palette].
      • [s1][palette]paletteuse=diff=rectangle: Applies the generated palette to the second stream (s1) to create the WebP animation, again using a difference-based method with rectangular optimization for efficiency.
    • output.webp: Specifies the output WebP animation file name.

  • Adjustments: You might need to tweak the tolerance value in the chromakey filter to get the best results for your specific green screen footage.

2. Using Online Converters (Ease of Use, Potential Limitations):

Several online converters can handle this task, but be aware of potential file size limits, processing times, and privacy considerations.

  • Search for: “MP4 to WebP with transparent background online”

  • Common Steps:

    1. Upload your MP4 file.
    2. Look for options related to background removal or transparency. Some tools might have a specific “green screen removal” or “chroma key” setting. You might need to select the green color manually.
    3. Choose WebP as the output format.
    4. Start the conversion.
    5. Download the resulting WebP file.

  • Caution: The quality and effectiveness of these online tools can vary. Some might not handle the chroma keying very well, leading to artifacts or incomplete background removal.

3. Using Video Editing Software (More Control, Requires Software):

If you have video editing software like Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or similar, you can perform the chroma keying and then export as an animated WebP (if the software supports it directly or via plugins).

  • Workflow:
    1. Import your MP4 file into your video editing software.
    2. Apply a chroma key effect (often called “Keying,” “Chroma Keyer,” “Green Screen Key,” etc.).
    3. Adjust the keying settings (color selection, tolerance, feathering, etc.) to remove the green background cleanly.
    4. Look for WebP animation export options. This might be a direct export format or require a plugin. If direct export isn’t available, you might need to export a sequence of transparent PNG images and then use another tool (like FFmpeg or an online converter) to create the animated WebP from the image sequence.

Choosing the Right Method:

  • For the most control and potentially the best quality, especially if you need to fine-tune the chroma keying, FFmpeg is highly recommended. It might have a steeper learning curve if you’re not familiar with command-line tools.
  • Online converters are the easiest to use for quick conversions, but the results might vary in quality. They are suitable for simpler green screen footage.
  • Video editing software offers a balance of control and a graphical interface but requires you to have the software installed.

Remember to test the output WebP animation in a browser or application that supports WebP with transparency to ensure the background is indeed transparent as intended.

OGV Theora Vorbis

FeatureMP4OGV (Theora)
Audio EncodingAAC - excellent qualityVorbis - royalty-free
CompatibilityWidely supportedLimited support
LicensingPatented, may require feesOpen-source, royalty-free
Audio CompressionHigh efficiency, great fidelityGood quality, slightly less efficient
ApplicationsOffline/online playback, streamingOpen-source and web environments

The costs for AAC licensing are structured based on volume, and fees decrease as the number of units increases. Here’s a quick overview2:

  • For the first 1 to 500,000 units, the fee is $0.98 per unit.

  • For 500,001 to 1,000,000 units, it’s $0.78 per unit.

  • For 1,000,001 to 2,000,000 units, the fee is $0.68 per unit.

  • For 2,000,001 to 5,000,000 units, the cost drops to $0.45 per unit.

    As you produce even more, the fees can go as low as $0.10 per unit for very large volumes (75,000,001 or more units).

Misc

https://github.com/solar2d/com.labolado-plugin.screenRecorder