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Table Of Contents
Key Effects
265
Creating a Matte Key Effect
A Matte Key effect replaces one part of the video image with another video image or graphic
based on the location of a high-contrast image known as a matte.
The Matte Key effect uses three layers of video to create the effect. The bottom layer is the
background image, the middle layer is the foreground image, and the top layer contains the matte
or alpha channel.
To create a Matte Key effect:
1. Create a sequence with three video layers.
For information about editing a sequence, see “Creating and Editing Sequences” in the Help.
2. Edit the background image onto track V1 and the foreground image onto track V3.
3. Load a high-contrast image into the Source monitor, and edit it onto track V3.
The high-contrast image can be an imported graphic or a clip that you adjust within your
Avid editing application.
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If the image is not high enough in contrast, you can adjust the contrast by applying the Color
Effect, and then adjusting its parameters in Effect mode. For more information, see “Using the
Color Effect to Prepare a High-Contrast Image” on page 267.
4. In the Effect Palette, click the Key category.
5. Apply the Matte Key effect as follows:
t If your high-contrast image was created with the Color Effect, press and hold the Alt
key (Windows) or Option key (Macintosh) and drag the Matte Key Effect icon from the
Effect Palette onto the segment on track V3 to nest the Color Effect within the Matte
Key effect.
t If your high-contrast image on track V3 does not include a Color Effect, drag the Matte
Key Effect icon from the Effect Palette onto the segment on track V3.
6. Click the Record Track Monitor button for track V3 in the Track Selector panel.
Tracks V2 and V1 become visible through the high-contrast image on track V3.