How to Use Green Screen in Edits

Green screen removes your background and replaces it with a photo or video you choose. You don't need a green wall. Edits separates you from the room, shows the background clip behind you, and lets you record yourself over it.

There are two related tools, and picking the right one saves time:

• Green screen: records you live over a background. Fast, but the result is a single recording you can't edit afterwards.
• Cutout: lifts a person or object out of a clip or image and places it on top of another. It takes more steps but stays editable on the timeline.

Both work best with good light and a clear shape against the background. If you're new to the editor, start with the first reel guide.

Decide what will sit behind you before you record. Add that footage or image to a new project first, so Edits has something to show behind you while you speak.

• A screenshot or photo works well for explainers, news takes and product talks.
• A video suits reactions, travel stories and "I'm at the scene" jokes.
• Keep it simple. A busy background competes with you. Calm, uncluttered images keep attention on your face.
• Check the length. The background plays while you record, so trim it to roughly how long you plan to talk using the trim, split and reorder tutorial.

1. Start a project and add your background photo or video to the timeline.
2. Tap the green screen button under the timeline. It is described as opening your camera roll and removing your background so you can record yourself over the footage already in your timeline.
3. Choose your source. You can also turn on the green screen toggle in the in-app camera and pick a photo or video background there.
4. Frame yourself. Pinch and drag to set your size and position over the background.
5. Record. The background plays while you speak, so you can react to what's on screen.
6. Stop and check the result, then re-record if needed.

Important: one hands-on review notes there is no way to edit a green screen recording once it's done. If you may want to change things later, read the Cutout section below. Menu names vary between versions, so follow what your own screen shows.

Pinch to zoom, then drag to reposition both yourself and the background until the picture feels balanced. A few framing rules help:

• Leave space for what you're pointing at, such as a headline or product in the background.
• Keep your head and shoulders in frame, and avoid covering the main subject of the background.
• Stay in one spot. Moving a lot makes edges flicker; a steady position gives a cleaner cut-out.
• Add readable text if the background has small print, using the text and titles tutorial.

If you want to keep control, film yourself with the normal camera and use Cutout instead. Cutout adds a portion of a clip or image over another one. You can select the portion manually, or let Edits select it automatically.

1. Put the background on the main timeline.
2. Add your own clip as an overlay.
3. Use Cutout to select yourself, automatically first, then refine by hand if the edges are rough.
4. Move, resize and trim the cutout like any other layer.

One limitation noted by reviewers: a cutout always appears on top of all other timeline elements, so you can't place it over text. Plan your layers accordingly. For motion on your cutout, see the keyframes tutorial.

These are general video practices that help any background-removal tool:

• Light your face evenly, from the front, with no strong shadow behind you.
• Contrast with the wall. Wear colours that differ from your real background.
• Avoid busy surroundings, such as patterned wallpaper or shelves full of items.
• Hold the phone steady. Prop it up rather than holding it, if you can.
• Match the mood. A bright background behind a dim, yellow-lit you looks fake. Try to match the light.

You can also polish the look afterwards with cinematic filters or effects.

Idea	Background	Why it works
Reaction or commentary	A video or screenshot you're responding to	Viewers see what you see
News or explainer	A headline, chart or map	Looks like a presenter in a studio
Travel story	Your own clip of the place	You appear to be in the scene
Product talk	The product photo	You can point and explain
Comedy sketch	An absurd location	The contrast is the joke

For the speaking part, the teleprompter tutorial helps you stay on script, and captions help viewers who watch on mute. More format ideas: talking-head videos and product videos.

Problem	Likely cause	Fix
Edges flicker or cut off hair	Low light or a busy room	Light your face evenly and stand against a plain wall
Can't edit the recording	Green screen records as one clip	Re-record, or use Cutout for an editable layer
Background ends before you finish	Clip shorter than your talk	Use a longer clip or a looped image before recording
Cutout covers my text	Cutouts sit above everything	Move the text onto the background, or rearrange layers
Option not showing	App out of date, or no background added	Update the app and add a background first
Voice is quiet or noisy	Room noise or distance	Record closer in a quiet room; see audio problems

For export trouble, see export settings and blurry export.