Published on Apr 25, 2025 5 min read

How to Easily Remove Backgrounds from Videos on Your PC

The technique of removing backgrounds from video footage has significantly advanced in recent times. Business professionals, content creators, and educators can greatly benefit from these capabilities, as they enable the development of professional projects. While some online tools exist, desktop video editors offer superior features and top-quality results with enhanced control.

Key Features to Consider in Background Removal Software

Not all video editors are created equal, so here are the top features to prioritize when choosing software for background removal:

• AI or Automatic Technology: Opt for tools that smartly detect the foreground and distinguish it from the background with minimal input.
• Manual Adjustment Options: Fine-tuning tools are essential for handling tricky edges, such as hair or transparent objects.
• Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface can save hours of frustration.
• Output Quality: Ensure the ability to export high-resolution, cleanly edited videos.
• Additional Features: Many desktop video editors offer more than just background removal. Consider extras like color grading, green screen support, or text overlays if they are important for your projects.

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a desktop editing application that provides sophisticated tools for background removal. Users benefit from the "Ultra Key" function, enabling fast green or blue screen background extraction. The Ultra Key tool offers transparent element adjustments and edge refinement features, making it ideal for fine work with hair or translucent objects.

Steps to Remove Background in Adobe Premiere Pro

1. Import your footage into the timeline.
2. Navigate to the "Effects" panel and search for the "Ultra Key" effect.
3. Drag and drop the Ultra Key effect onto your clip.
4. Go to the "Effect Controls" panel and select the eyedropper tool in Ultra Key.
5. Click on the green or blue screen background in your video.
6. Adjust settings like edge feathering, choke, and transparency for a cleaner result.

2. Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is widely popular among professionals in film and television, offering sophisticated features and tools for background removal. It is an excellent solution for those seeking top-notch outcomes.

Steps to Remove Background in Final Cut Pro

1. Import your video into the timeline.
2. Open the "Effects" browser and locate the "Keying" section.
3. Drag the "Keyer" effect onto your video clip.
4. Fine-tune the keying settings like strength, spill suppression, and edges for a polished result.

3. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a popular video editing software offering advanced background removal tools. Its powerful and accurate chroma keying feature allows users to easily remove backgrounds from their footage.

Steps to Remove Background in DaVinci Resolve

1. Import your footage into DaVinci Resolve and add it to the timeline.
2. Select the video clip and click on the "Color" tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. In the "Key" panel, select "Key Mixer" and then choose "Chroma Key" from the dropdown menu.
4. Use the eyedropper tool to select the green or blue background color in your footage.
5. Adjust keying settings like similarity, blend, and softness for precise background removal.
6. Further refine keying with masks by selecting specific areas in your footage.
7. Preview changes in the "Output" panel and make necessary adjustments.
8. Click on the "Export" button to save your keyed footage.

4. Camtasia

Camtasia offers an intuitive interface that simplifies background removal, making it accessible even for beginners.

Steps for Removing Backgrounds in Camtasia

1. Import your video footage into Camtasia by clicking the "Import Media" button and selecting your file.
2. Drag your video clip onto the timeline to start editing.
3. Navigate to the "Visual Effects" tab in the toolbar.
4. Select the "Remove a Color" effect and drag it onto your video clip in the timeline.
5. Open the effect's properties panel, then use the color picker tool to select the background color to be removed.
6. Adjust settings such as tolerance, softness, and hue to refine the background removal.
7. Preview your video to ensure the background is removed cleanly and make further tweaks as needed.
8. Once satisfied, export your video by clicking on the "Export" button and choosing your desired output format.

5. Movavi Video Editor Plus

Movavi Video Editor Plus is a great option for those needing advanced video editing features. It offers a wide range of powerful tools for creating professional-grade videos, including chroma keying, 3D effects, and customizable titles.

Steps for Removing Backgrounds in Movavi Video Editor Plus

1. Import your video clip into the timeline.
2. Click on the "Effects" tab and choose the "Chroma Key" option.
3. Drag and drop the effect onto your video clip in the timeline.
4. Open the effect's properties panel, then use the color picker tool to select the background color to be removed.
5. Adjust the tolerance and other settings as needed to achieve the desired effect.
6. Preview your video in real-time to see how the chroma keying has been applied.
7. Once satisfied, click "Apply" to save the changes.

6. HitFilm

HitFilm is another popular video editing software that offers a range of tools for advanced compositing and visual effects. It includes a built-in chroma key effect, simplifying background removal from your footage.

Steps for Removing Backgrounds in HitFilm

1. Import your footage into HitFilm and place it on the timeline.
2. Select the clip and click on the "Effects" button in the toolbar.
3. In the search bar, type "chroma key" and select the effect from the list.
4. Drag and drop the effect onto your video clip in the timeline.
5. Use the color picker tool to select the background color you want to remove.
6. Adjust the settings until your footage looks the way you want it.

Conclusion

Removing backgrounds from videos has become easier with the rise of advanced desktop video editors. Tools like HitFilm, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro offer robust features tailored for seamless background removal. These editors provide user-friendly interfaces, precise controls, and a variety of effects to achieve professional-quality results. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, selecting the right video editor depends on your specific needs, such as budget, compatibility, and task complexity.