In video creation, the canvas is as important as the content it holds. Adding a black background to your videos can be a game-changer, as it increases the visual appeal and puts more emphasis on your subject.
This blog provides 10 tools that allow you to effortlessly add a black background to your videos.
1) Front.Space
Front.Space offers a straightforward approach to achieving quality results, regardless of your level of expertise.
Why Front.Space?
• Ease of Use: Front.Space simplifies the process of adding a black background, ensuring that even those new to video editing can achieve impressive results.
• Versatility: This tool is suitable for various projects, as it caters to a variety of video editing needs.
• Efficiency: Front.Space offers a streamlined workflow, allowing you to save time and focus on your creative vision.
• Quality Output: The tool gives high-quality output, by maintaining the integrity of your videos while adding that desired black background.
2) Adobe Premiere Pro
When it comes to video editing, Adobe Premiere Pro is a champion. If you're looking to add a black background to your videos, Adobe Premiere Pro offers a set of tools to help you achieve just that.
With its user-friendly interface and extensive features, Adobe Premiere Pro is a favorite among professional video editors and content creators alike.
How to use Adobe Premiere Pro to add a black background?
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Import Your Video
- Launch Adobe Premiere Pro and create a new project.
- Go to the "File" menu and select "Import" to add your video file to the project.
Step 2: Create a New Black Video Clip
- In the project panel, right-click and choose "New Item" and then "Black Video."
- A settings window will pop up; here, you can customize the black video clip's duration and resolution. Click "OK" when you're done.
Step 3: Add the Black Video to Your Timeline
- Drag the black video clip from the project panel to your timeline.
- Ensure the black video clip covers the entire duration of your original video.
Step 4: Arrange Layers
Make sure your black video layer is below your original video layer in the timeline. This way, the black background will show behind your video.
Step 5: Adjust Opacity
- Select the black video layer on the timeline.
- In the Effect Controls panel, you can adjust the opacity to make the background completely black. Set the opacity to 100%.
Step 6: Export Your Video
- When you're satisfied with the result, it's time to export your video.
- Go to the "File" menu, choose "Export," and select your preferred export settings.
- Click "Export" to save your video with the black background.
3) iMovie
iMovie is like your friendly neighborhood video editing buddy. It's perfect for beginners and those who prefer a straightforward, user-friendly approach to video editing. Here's how you can use iMovie to add a black background to your videos step by step:
Step 1: Import Your Video
- Open iMovie and create a new project or select an existing one.
- Click the "Import Media" button to add your video to the project. You can also drag and drop your video files into the media library.
Step 2: Add Your Video to the Timeline
Drag and drop your video clip from the media library to the timeline at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Create a Black Background
- In iMovie, the background of your video project is represented by the timeline itself, which is usually gray by default. To make it black, we'll add a solid black clip.
- Go to the "File" menu and select "Import Media."
- Choose a black image or video clip from your computer. If you don't have one, you can easily create a black image using a simple graphic design tool or find one online.
Step 4: Add the Black Background Clip
Drag and drop the black background clip onto a new video track above your original video clip on the timeline. It should cover the entire timeline, effectively creating a black background.
Step 5: Adjust the Timing
If needed, adjust the duration of the black background clip to match the length of your video. You can do this by clicking and dragging the edges of the clip on the timeline.
Step 6: Position Your Video
To ensure your main video is on top of the black background, drag it to the upper video track on the timeline.
Step 7: Export Your Video
- Once you're satisfied with how your video looks with the black background, click the "File" menu and select "Share."
- Choose your preferred export settings and click "Next."
- Give your video a name, choose where you want to save it, and click "Save."
4) DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a powerful video editing tool that can help you add a black background to your videos effortlessly. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Install DaVinci Resolve
- Download and install DaVinci Resolve from the official website.
Step 2: Import Your Video
- Launch DaVinci Resolve and create a new project.
- Click on the "Media" tab to import your video clip. Simply drag and drop your video into the media pool.
Step 3: Create a New Timeline
- Go to the "Edit" tab and right-click in the timeline area.
- Select "Create New Timeline" and choose your video settings.
Step 4: Add Your Video to the Timeline
Drag your video clip from the media pool and drop it onto the timeline.
Step 5: Create a Black Background
- In the "Effects" library, search for "Background" or "Solid Color" and drag it onto the timeline above your video clip.
Step 6: Customize the Black Background
- With the black background selected on the timeline, go to the "Inspector" panel on the top right.
- You can adjust the color of the background by clicking on the color swatch and choosing black.
- Modify the duration of the black background by dragging its edges on the timeline to match the length of your video.
Step 7: Arrange Your Video
- Make sure your video clip is on the track above the black background.
- You can adjust the position and timing of your video by dragging it on the timeline.
Step 8: Export Your Video
- Once you're satisfied with the black background and the video's arrangement, go to the "Deliver" tab.
- Configure your export settings (format, resolution, etc.).
- Click on "Add to Render Queue" and then "Start Render" to save your edited video with a black background.
5) HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is a fantastic free video editing software that can help you create professional-looking videos with a black background. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Install HitFilm Express
- Download and install HitFilm Express from their official website.
- Launch the software and create a new project.
Step 2: Import Your Video
Click on the "Import" button to add your video clip to the project.
Step 3: Place Your Video on the Timeline
- Drag and drop your video clip onto the timeline at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4: Create a New Black Background Layer
- Go to the "File" menu and select "New." Choose "Plane" from the dropdown menu.
- In the "Controls" panel, set the width and height to match your video's dimensions.
- Change the color of the plane to black by clicking on the color box and selecting black.
Step 5: Arrange the Layers
- Make sure the black background plane is placed below your video on the timeline. To do this, simply drag the black background layer below your video layer.
Step 6: Adjust the Video's Opacity
- Select your video layer on the timeline.
- In the "Controls" panel, look for the "Opacity" setting and lower it until your video becomes visible against the black background. Usually, lowering it to around 30-40% works well, but you can adjust it to your liking.
Step 7: Export Your Video
- When you're satisfied with the black background effect, it's time to export your video. Go to the "File" menu and select "Export."
- Choose your export settings, such as video format, resolution, and quality.
- Click "Export" to save your video with the new black background.
6) Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects is a powerful software used for creating captivating visual effects and animations in your videos. Adding a black background is just one of the many things you can achieve with this versatile tool. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you use Adobe After Effects for this purpose:
Step 1: Launch Adobe After Effects
Open Adobe After Effects on your computer. If you don't have it yet, you can download a trial version from Adobe's official website.
Step 2: Create a New Composition
Click on "File" in the top menu, then select "New" and choose "Composition." This is where you'll set the parameters for your video.
Step 3: Set Composition Settings
In the Composition Settings window, you can adjust settings such as the width, height, duration, and frame rate of your video. For a black background, ensure that the "Background Color" is set to black. Click "OK" when you're ready.
Step 4: Import Your Video
Go to "File" > "Import" > "File" and select the video you want to edit. It will appear in the Project panel.
Step 5: Drag Your Video to the Timeline
Drag your video from the Project panel and drop it onto the Timeline at the bottom of the screen. This places your video on the timeline for editing.
Step 6: Create a Solid Layer
To add a black background, click on "Layer" in the top menu, then select "New" > "Solid." Choose the color black and click "OK."
Step 7: Arrange the Layers
In the Timeline panel, ensure that the solid black layer is below your video layer. This will make the black background appear behind your video.
Step 8: Adjust Opacity (Optional)
If you want to make your video partially transparent, you can adjust the opacity of the video layer by selecting it, going to the "Effect Controls" panel, and adjusting the opacity slider.
Step 9: Export Your Video
Once you're satisfied with your video with the black background, go to "File" > "Export" > "Add to Adobe Media Encoder Queue." Customize your export settings and click "Export" to save your video.
Step 10: Save Your Project
Don't forget to save your Adobe After Effects project for future edits or revisions.
7) Sony Vegas Pro
Sony Vegas Pro is a professional video editing software that can help you add a black background to your videos. Follow these simple steps to achieve the desired effect:
Step 1: Import Your Video
• Launch Sony Vegas Pro and create a new project.
• Click on the "File" menu and select "Import" to import your video footage into the project.
Step 2: Add the Video to the Timeline
Drag and drop your video clip from the Project Media window onto the timeline at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Create a New Video Track
Right-click on the timeline and choose "Insert Video Track" to create a new track for your black background.
Step 4: Generate a Black Solid
• Go to the "Media Generators" tab in the Project Media window.
• Select "Solid Color" and choose "Black" as the color.
• Drag the black solid onto the newly created video track in the timeline.
Step 5: Adjust the Black Background Duration
Click and drag the edges of the black solid on the timeline to match the duration of your video clip.
Step 6: Arrange Layers
Ensure that the black solid is below your video clip on the timeline. You can adjust the order by dragging and dropping the layers.
Step 7: Preview and Fine-Tune
• Play back your video to preview the black background effect.
• If necessary, you can trim or adjust the black background's position on the timeline to achieve the desired timing.
Step 8: Export Your Video
• Once you are satisfied with the black background, it's time to export your video. Click on the "File" menu and select "Render As."
• Choose your preferred video format and settings for export.
• Click "Render" to save your video with the added black background.
Step 9: Save Your Project
Don't forget to save your Sony Vegas Pro project so you can make further edits in the future if needed.
8) Movavi Video Editor
This intuitive software offers a straightforward approach to make your videos more captivating. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Install Movavi Video Editor
First, download and install Movavi Video Editor on your computer. You can find the software on the official Movavi website.
Step 2: Launch the Program
After installation, launch the Movavi Video Editor by double-clicking its icon on your desktop.
Step 3: Import Your Video
Click on the "Add Media Files" button to import the video you want to edit. Select your video file and click "Open."
Step 4: Drag Your Video to the Timeline
Once your video is imported, drag it from the media bin to the timeline at the bottom of the screen.
Step 5: Add a Black Background
To add a black background to your video, you need to create a new project. Click on "File" and select "New Project."
Step 6: Customize the Black Background
In the new project, you'll see a blank canvas. Right-click on it and choose "Add Color Background." Select "Black" from the color options.
Step 7: Adjust the Duration
To make the black background cover the entire video, adjust its duration to match your video's length. Simply drag the black background on the timeline to fit.
Step 8: Overlay Your Video
Drag your video from the previous project onto the new black background project. It will overlay on the black background.
Step 9: Position and Resize Your Video
Click on your video in the timeline and use the resizing handles to fit it to the black background. You can also adjust its position by dragging it.
Step 10: Preview and Save
Click the "Play" button to preview your edited video. If you're satisfied with the result, click "File" and choose "Save As" to save your video in your preferred format.
Step 11: Export Your Video
Once you've saved your project, click "Export" to render your video. Choose the desired settings, such as resolution and format, and click "Start."
9) VSDC Video Editor
VSDC is a free, feature-packed video editing software that enables you to add a black background to your videos effortlessly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Use VSDC Video Editor:
Step 1: Download and Install VSDC
- Visit the official VSDC website and download the software.
- Follow the installation instructions, which are typically straightforward and include selecting your preferred language and destination folder.
Step 2: Launch VSDC Video Editor
Open the VSDC Video Editor application on your computer.
Step 3: Import Your Video
Click on "File" in the top left corner and select "Open Project" to create a new project or "Import Content" to add your video files.
Step 4: Add Your Video to the Timeline
Drag and drop your video clip to the timeline at the bottom of the screen.
Step 5: Add a Black Background:
- Click on the "Video Effects" tab in the top menu.
- Navigate to "Transparent" and select "Background Remover."
- Drag and drop the "Background Remover" effect onto your video clip in the timeline.
Step 6: Adjust the Black Background
- Double-click on the video clip in the timeline to open the editing options.
- Under the "Video Effects" tab, select "Background Remover" to access its settings.
- Adjust the settings to your liking, fine-tuning the black background removal as needed.
Step 7: Export Your Video
- Click on "File" and choose "Export Project" to save your edited video.
- Select your preferred video format and quality settings.
- Click "Export" and choose the destination folder for your final video.
Step 8: Preview and Save Your Video
- Once the export is complete, you can preview your video to ensure the black background looks as intended.
- If everything looks good, click "Save" to save your edited video
10) Canva
Canva is a versatile and user-friendly graphic design tool that you might not have thought of for video editing, but it can be a handy resource for adding a black background to your videos. Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Create an Account
• Visit the Canva website (www.canva.com) and sign up for a free account if you don't already have one.
Step 2: Choose Video Dimensions
• Click "Create a design" on the Canva homepage.
• In the search bar, type in your desired video dimensions (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD) and select the "Video" option.
Step 3: Design Your Black Background
• Canva provides a blank canvas with your chosen video dimensions. To make it black, click on the background to select it.
• In the top toolbar, click on the color palette icon, and choose black as your background color. You can also use the hex code #000000 for black.
Step 4: Import Your Video
• To add your existing video to the black background, click on the "Uploads" tab on the left sidebar.
• Upload your video file to Canva. Once uploaded, drag and drop it onto the black canvas.
Step 5: Resize and Position Your Video
• Click on your video element to select it.
• Use the corner handles to resize your video to fit the canvas. Make sure it covers the entire black background.
• You can also click and drag to reposition your video if needed.
Step 6: Export Your Video
• Once you're satisfied with the black background and your video placement, click the "Download" button in the top right corner.
• Choose your preferred video format and quality settings, then click "Download" to save your edited video with a black background to your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about adding a black background to videos using various tools:
Q1: Why should I add a black background to my videos?
- A black background can help focus the viewer's attention on the subject, create a professional look, and enhance the overall visual appeal of your video content.
Q2: Which tools are suitable for adding a black background to videos?
- There are several tools available, including Front.Space, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, DaVinci Resolve, HitFilm Express, Filmora, Adobe After Effects, Camtasia, Sony Vegas Pro, Movavi Video Editor, Lightworks, Kapwing, and Canva.
Q3: What if I'm a beginner in video editing?
- If you're new to video editing, consider using user-friendly options like iMovie, HitFilm Express, or Canva. These tools are designed to be accessible for beginners.
Q4: Can I add a black background to my videos for free?
- Yes, there are free tools like HitFilm Express, Kapwing, and Canva that offer features for adding a black background. However, some advanced features may require a paid version.
Q5: How do I choose the right tool for my video editing needs?
- Consider factors like your level of expertise, the complexity of your project, and your budget when choosing a tool. Each tool mentioned in the blog offers different features and capabilities, so select the one that aligns with your requirements.
