What is a green screen?

Green screen—sometimes referred to as blue screen, or as it’s technically called, chroma key—is a digital video production technique for compositing, or layering, different video streams based on color hues. In other words, a green screen lets you superimpose one photo or video stream over another, making it look like a single stream. 

How does a green screen work?

Using a green screen involves shooting your subject against a solid color backdrop, usually bright green. You might be wondering why this technique calls for a green-colored background as opposed to another color.

• For one, green doesn’t match natural human skin tones or hair colors, making it easy to remove without compromising your subject and/or other elements in the foreground. 
• The green color requires less light, registers brighter on electronic displays, and works well for outdoor settings where a blue screen might match the sky. 
• It’s also less common in costumes. If you can’t use green—if you have a green prop or one of your characters is a Martian, for example—use blue, which is considered second best.

Using editing software, you then digitally remove, or key out, that color based on its chroma range—a process known as chroma keying. You can then drop the isolated subject onto a new background of your choice.

This way, footage shot in a small studio, or a closet draped with green screen, can appear to take place in a sunlit valley or busy streetscape—and, if done correctly, can look very convincing.

Why use a green screen?

Using a green screen is a time- and budget-friendly alternative to building an elaborate set or renting a studio. Your ideal shooting location might be too expensive, too busy, or inaccessible. Filming in front of a green screen makes shooting “anywhere” possible—so any filmmaker on Earth can set a scene on the moon. And any filmmaker on the moon can set a scene in Indianapolis. 

It’s also useful for delivering information visually. TV news meteorologists use green screens to report the weather forecast, pointing to parts of a map and showing weather patterns in motion. Not only does this make it easier for the viewer to grasp the information, it also personalizes the broadcast and helps connect with the audience. Plus, it’s super cool. 

Consider using a green screen to replace the background of your video with a graphic, photo, or video element if you’re, say, recording presentation slides on your desktop, or making an instructional video.

How to use a green screen

1. Set up your green screen
2. Use the right camera settings
3. Set up your lighting 
4. Position your subject 
5. Remove certain clothing and props
6. Edit your green screen videos 

1. Set up your green screen

The basic video equipment you need for the green screen effect is:

• A green backdrop
• A high-resolution camera
• A tripod
• A light source
• Video editing software with a chroma key tool

Before working on your green screen setup, decide whether an indoor or an outdoor setting allows you to create a better lighting situation. 

If you aren’t working with powerful lights, consider shooting outside in sunlight or overcast daylight, but keep in mind that you will be at the mercy of the weather and sudden light changes. An indoor setting, like a studio, provides a more controlled creative environment, giving you better command of your lighting.

Keep your camera completely still with a tripod. Make sure your shot centers on the green screen background, which should cover the entire frame. It also helps if your green backdrop is flat and smooth. Even slight wrinkles can cause issues in video production. Iron out creases.

Here are some of the best green screens you can find on Amazon:

• Elgato Green Screen ($160): Collapsible, heavy-duty panel measuring 58.3”x70.1,” stand included 
• Neewer Collapsible Two-Sided Chromakey Background Panel ($50): Thick muslin panel that’s reversible for blue or green screen effects, measures 60”x78, stand sold separately
• Webaround Big Shot ($60): Compact 56” circle that slides onto your office chair for easy green-screening of talking-head videos

2. Use the right camera settings

Use a high-resolution camera. It should shoot high quality video, meaning 720p or higher, and with a frame rate of 24 fps or more. Most phone cameras are capable, but may not produce the best results. Shoot in MP4 or MOV format, and check that your video editing software is compatible. 

3. Set up your lighting

Lighting for your video is crucial. A properly lit green screen makes keying out the green in post production easier. Light your screen thoroughly and entirely before lighting your subject. They shouldn’t be treated as one.

Consider the type of video footage you’ll be using for your new background. Light your subject accordingly, paying particular attention to light direction and color temperature. Light appears cool or warm depending on the kind of bulbs you use. If your new background clip is a sunlit valley, the last thing you want is a subject lit with fluorescent dental-clinic-like light, or, worse, for the sunlight to be coming from the wrong side.

4. Position your subject

Keep as much space as possible between your subject and your green screen. Not only will this help mimic the lighting of your new background on your subject, it’ll help prevent the screen’s green tones from bouncing off the screen onto your subject. A larger backdrop can help you achieve a greater distance. The focal length of your lens can also be a factor.

5. Remove certain clothing and props

Remember, you’ll digitally remove—or key out—the green of your backdrop based on its color hue—or chroma range—in post production. Any other green objects in the frame, or anything the color of your screen, will also disappear. Make sure your subject or subjects are prepared and dressed to “show up”. That means no green. 

In fact, the further clothing and props are from green or blue, the better. Colors with just a hint of green can appear semi-translucent. Reflective objects and surfaces can also be a problem. Try removing any shine from your subject's face or head.

6. Edit your green screen videos

There are many video editors that offer easy green screen capabilities, some better than others. 

Free software includes Windows Movie Maker and iMovie for Mac. Keep in mind that consumer grade software tends to have lower-grade chroma key tools. Sophisticated editing suites such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X usually produce better results but can be difficult to navigate for beginners.

Descript makes it easy to remove a green screen background. It’s also got everything you need to edit a video and turn it into a visual masterpiece. 

Here’s a quick step by step tutorial:

1. Open your Descript app and import the video. Select the video element. 
2. Navigate to the properties panels, select Green Screen, and click “Apply.”
3. Descript will use AI to analyze your video and remove the background. Once the effect is processed, toggle it on or off in the properties panel.

To add a new background image or video, simply import any media into the scene. Then, right click and select “Send to back.”

With a properly lit, well set-up shot, the green screen software will key out most or all of the background. Adjust the settings to optimize your chroma key effects, then make necessary adjustments to your new image or video background. 

Consider adding depth of field by applying a blur filter, or add final touches like transitions, or clean up your green screen footage with Descript’s trimming tools. 

6 tips for using a green screen effectively 

1. Choose the right shade of green

Choosing the right shade of green makes chroma keying go smoothly and efficiently. If the green is too close to something your subject is wearing, it can spill. Spills happen when parts of your subject get keyed out. A bright green scarf, for example, may look like it's partly invisible or holed. 

That's why the industry uses chroma key green. Its hex code is #00ff00.

Make sure your green screen is as close to the standard as possible, and avoid using green props or clothing that could interfere with the chroma keying process. 

2. Maintain distance between subject and green screen

In professional setups, the distance between the subject and the green screen is carefully managed, often using markers on the floor. The ideal distance depends on lighting and camera field of view, but a general rule is to keep the subject at least 6 to 10 feet away. 

3. Shoot in high resolution

Using high-resolution footage makes it easier to separate the subject from the green background without sacrificing details like hair strands or clothing textures. 

If an actor with curly hair is filmed against a green screen in standard resolution, their curls and strands will blend into the green background, creating jagged or blurry edges in the final composite. The best way to capture everything in detail and make keying easier is to shoot in 4K (or higher). 

4. Avoid reflective surfaces

If you can help it, avoid wearing shiny clothing, glasses, jewelry, or glossy props. Reflective surfaces can catch and reflect green light from the screen and lead to spills on the subjects or objects. 

You could use a spill suppressor or color correction to remove the green from the reflections in post. But if you want a simple, smooth keying process, try to avoid anything reflective. 

5. Use quality green screen material

Your green screen material is key to getting a good chroma key effect. Materials like muslin and polyester are designed to absorb light and provide a smooth, even surface. If your green screen is reflective or has wrinkles, it can cause shadows and light spots that are difficult to key out. 

In big budget productions, special fabrics are designed to prevent creasing and sagging. For smaller productions or those with a tighter budget, there are green screen kits with quality materials for effective chroma keying.

6. Position lighting separately for subject and green screen

For green screens to be effective, you'll need two light setups: one for the screen itself, which will ensure it is evenly lit without shadows, and one for the subject. 

Expose the green screen backdrop evenly, making sure it has no dark or bright areas. To avoid shadows, try for diffused, non-directional lighting on the entire screen. Diffusion spreads light, evening it out, creating a soft, gentle effect. You can diffuse light by shining it through semi-transparent material, like a softbox or white bedsheets, or by bouncing it off a reflective surface. 

If you have the resources, start with two 1000-watt lights with softboxes for the screen, and a 650-watt light and a 500-watt light with softboxes for your subject. You might also want a backlight to help highlight and define your subject’s outline. 

An easy to use green screen for your videos

A green screen can produce blockbuster-worthy results, and may seem like something reserved for professionals. It’s not. With the right lighting and the right setup, you can easily—and affordably—marvel your audience like Méliès.

With Descript, you can apply a virtual green screen and add Hollywood-worthy special effects all in one software—whether it’s for your next TikTok, YouTube video, or both! If you’re already using a green screen, you can use Descript’s chroma key tool to replace the green color with your background of choice. 

If you’re a content creator, save time editing your videos and focus on being creative. Take a free tour today and see why thousands of creators rely on Descript.

How to use a green screen FAQs

What program do you use for green screens?

For green screens, Descript and Adobe After Effects are popular choices. Descript is also a good option: the AI-powered video editor lets you easily remove the green background and replace it with a different image or video. It’s a great choice for content creators looking for a user-friendly way to use a green screen.

How do I change the background on my green screen?

To change the background on a green screen, first, record your video or take a picture with the green screen. Then, using video editing or photo editing software with a chroma key tool, make the green color transparent, and replace it with another background image or video.

How do I use a green screen for a virtual background?

Set up a green screen behind you and make sure it's well-lit and wrinkle-free. Record your video or start your webconferencing call, then select the option to apply a virtual background in your software. The software will then replace the green color with the virtual background you choose.