chroma key

4 synonyms for chroma key, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A video and photography technique that removes a specific background colour from footage so it can be digitally replaced with a different image or scene, most commonly using a green or blue backdrop.

Synonyms

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

green screen technique colour keying key out green-screen

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A video and photography technique that removes a specific background colour from footage so it can be digitally replaced with a different image or scene, most commonly using a green or blue backdrop.

“Chroma key is the technology behind everything from weather forecasts to superhero movies.”

green screen technique colour keying

2. verb

To digitally remove and replace a background colour in footage or an image using this technique.

“The editor chroma-keyed the interview footage to place the guest in front of a virtual newsroom.”

key out green-screen

Frequently asked questions

What is chroma key?

Chroma key is a video and photography technique that removes a specific background colour from footage so it can be replaced with different imagery — most commonly using a green or blue backdrop, hence "green screen" or "blue screen."

Who invented chroma key?

The core techniques developed from optical travelling-matte processes used in 1930s-40s cinema. RCA trademarked the name "Chroma-Key" in the 1950s for its television process, and engineer Petro Vlahos won an Academy Award in 1964 for refining the technique still used today.

What is the difference between chroma key and green screen?

Chroma key is the general technique of removing a background colour; a green screen is simply the most common colour of backdrop used to perform it. Chroma key can technically use any solid colour, including blue, red or even white.

Do you need a green screen to use chroma key?

No — chroma key works with any solid, evenly-lit colour that doesn't appear in the subject's clothing or skin tone. Green and blue are just the most practical choices because they're rare in human skin.

What software can do chroma keying?

Most professional and free video editors include chroma-key tools, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and free tools like OBS Studio. Many video-call apps also use a simplified version for virtual backgrounds.

Is chroma key the same as green screen?

Not quite — chroma key is the technique, and green screen is the specific coloured backdrop most commonly used to perform it. Every green screen shot uses chroma key, but chroma key doesn't always use a green screen.

Nearby words

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