Published on Apr 24, 2025 5 min read

Top Desktop Video Editors for Background Removal

Advertisement

The technique of removing backgrounds from video footage has advanced significantly in recent times. Business professionals combined with content creators and teachers would benefit from background removal capabilities because it enables professional project development. The desktop video editors deliver superior capabilities as well as top-quality outcomes with enhanced control although some online tools exist.

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

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

The desktop editing application Adobe Premiere Pro provides sophisticated tools for users who need background removal. Users benefit from the "Ultra Key" function that enables fast green or blue screen background extraction in Adobe Premiere Pro. The Ultra Key tool provides transparent element adjustments as well as edge refinement features that make 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

Numerous professionals operating in film and television employ Final Cut Pro because of its wide popularity as a video editing solution. The software provides sophisticated features and tools to remove background from videos thus making it a superior solution for people who want 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 that also offers 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 that you want to remove.
  5. Adjust the keying settings like similarity, blend, and softness for a more precise removal of your background.
  6. You can also use masks to further refine your keying by selecting specific areas in your footage.
  7. Preview your changes in the "Output" panel and make any necessary adjustments.
  8. Click on the "Export" button to save your keyed footage.

4. Camtasia

Camtasia provides an intuitive interface that simplifies the process of removing backgrounds from your videos, making it accessible even for beginners.

Steps for Removing Backgrounds in Camtasia

  1. Import your video footage into Camtasia by clicking on the "Import Media" button and selecting your file.
  2. Drag your video clip onto the timeline to begin 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 the 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 necessary.
  8. Once satisfied, export your video by clicking on the "Export" button and choosing your desired output format.

5. Movavi Video Editor Plus

If you require more advanced video editing features, Movavi Video Editor Plus is a great option. This software offers a wide range of powerful tools for creating professional-grade videos. It also includes advanced features such as 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 also has a built-in chroma key effect, making it easy to remove backgrounds 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 been made 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 the complexity of tasks.

Advertisement

Related Articles