Exporting videos with transparency

Report · Nov 30, 2023

Hello,

I have a strange "problem" when exporting my project that I created in After Effects.
I am using the 2024 Creative Cloud.

I want to have the file in webm format in the end. Small file size and transparent background.

No matter what format that supports an alpha channel does not produce the desired result.

- If I use QuickTime (ProRes 4444 + alpha) for the first export, there are different results depending on which codec I use. The result has a) no video (only visible through a conversion - I'll come to that in a moment), b) an interpolarity of the colors (+ background).
- A direct export to Webm gives the same result as the conversion from QuickTime ( a) ) - it is not transparent and the graphics used are given white backgrounds for their own area.
- An export to avi with active alpha channel has the same result as with QuickTime ( a) )

I used the following methods for the export:
- Direct AfterEffects
- Via Premiere
- Via the Media Encoder

Same result everywhere. Tried on two devices (Windows).

What am I doing wrong? I have exported QuickTime videos with transparency in the past without any problems.

Thanks in advance!

Report · Nov 30, 2023

Without seeing your timeline, it's hard to say for sure, but it sounds like you don't actually have transparency in your comp. If you toggle the Transparency Grid at the bottom of the Composition panel in AE, do you see the grid, or are you expected transparent areas still solid?

Report · Dec 01, 2023

Thanks for your answer!

I only use one single png-file for the animation and so I see the grid. There is no other file with a solid background or a layer.

[Profanities removed by Moderator]

Report · Dec 01, 2023

Ok, that's a great start. In that case, can you post a screenshot of your Output Module settings when you do the direct export from AE? The part that shows ProRes and all the options.

Report · Dec 02, 2023

Instead of fiddling with output module settings, try using the High Quality with Alpha preset available in the Output Module. Just click on the V to the right of Output Module in the Render Queue and let the tried and true preset do the work for you.

Report · Dec 03, 2023

Sorry for the late reply. I've been on a business trip.

Well, what Richard suggested works perfectly. I'm still wondering what was wrong with the other settings, but the result is now as desired. I will stick to this way for the future.

Many thanks to both of you!

Report · Dec 03, 2023

@Andreas3393529166h7

Whatever you are doing manually must be RGB only rather than RGB + Alpha.

Report · Dec 03, 2023

Glad you got it working, but I agree with Warren, which is why I suggested you post the screenshot. Feel free to still do so and we can help you learn what the issue was so you can be more informed for the future.

Report · Nov 28, 2024

Hi Rick, any chance you could share a screenshot of that setting? I can't see that setting in the Output Module at all... I have the same problem with Quicktime and Avi RGS+alpha exports: the result is a black screen with audio (and I definitely have a transparent backgound around my person in the video).

Report · Nov 28, 2024

Ignore me, I've found it and it works!!