Linear Color Key (Pro only)

The Linear Color Key effect uses RGB, hue, or chroma information to create transparency from a specified key color. In the Effect Controls window, it displays two thumbnails; the left thumbnail represents the unaltered source image, and the right thumbnail represents the view you've selected in the View menu.

You can adjust the key color, the matching tolerance, and the matching softness. The matching tolerance specifies how closely pixels must match the key color before they start becoming transparent. The matching softness controls the softness of edges between the image and the key color.

You can also reapply this key to preserve a color that was made transparent by the first application of the key. For example, if you are keying out a medium-blue screen, you might lose some or all of a light-blue piece of clothing your subject is wearing. You can bring back the light-blue color by applying another instance of the Linear Color Key and choosing Keep This Color from the Key Operation menu.


Features such as these eyes (left) that closely match the background (center) can become transparent when using keys; Linear Key keeps them opaque with the Keep This Color control (right).

Related Subtopics:

Applying the Linear Color key