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Using transparent background in After Effects

Community Beginner ,
Jan 23, 2025 Jan 23, 2025

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I downloaded a video (MOV format )from adobe stock that says it has an alpha channel with a transparent background. I can't figure out how to use this when importing it into after effects in order to have the background show as transparent instead of black. Any help would be appreciated here. 

 

This is the asset: https://stock.adobe.com/Library/urn:aaid:sc:US:e1a5ec7e-1b04-41c2-89f6-fc7cd07b2dce?asset_id=8281483...

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Community Beginner ,
Jan 23, 2025 Jan 23, 2025

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It seems that any file that says it has an alpha channel and transparent background, when imported into AE doesn't. I'm on a PC. Any help would be huge!

 

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Adobe Employee ,
Jan 23, 2025 Jan 23, 2025

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Hey there, @brianb1287952,

I read your message. I wasn't able to inspect that source file, though. Have you tested the file in a comp yet? See this response from @Rick Gerard: https://adobe.ly/3E8f2AA. I hope it helps. Let us know.

 

Thanks,
Kevin

 

Kevin Monahan - Sr. Community & Engagement Strategist – Pro Video and Audio

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Community Beginner ,
Jan 23, 2025 Jan 23, 2025

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@Kevin-Monahan The source file is an adobe stock MOV file. But I have this problem with EVERY MOV file I download that says it has an alpha channel. You can just grab the free preview as well to test. I'm on a PC

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Adobe Employee ,
Jan 23, 2025 Jan 23, 2025

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Got it. I tried to download something from the transparent collection, and they are all H.264 files which cannot support an alpha channel. You'd need to use a Blending mode to knock out any of the black. If you run the file through MediaInfo (in tree mode), you can see the codec for the clip. If it's H.264 or HEVC, there won't be an alpha channel. Let me know what you find.


Thanks,
Kevin

 

Kevin Monahan - Sr. Community & Engagement Strategist – Pro Video and Audio

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Community Beginner ,
Jan 23, 2025 Jan 23, 2025

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@Kevin-Monahan Why would Adobe have a Transparent Collection that isn't transparent? This is horrible!!!

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Community Beginner ,
Jan 23, 2025 Jan 23, 2025

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Unfortunately, that post https://adobe.ly/3E8f2AA did not help

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Adobe Employee ,
Jan 23, 2025 Jan 23, 2025

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I see. If you turned on the Transparency Grid and did not see transparency, the file does not have an alpha channel. You'll need to add the Alpha from Lightness (Unmult) effect to knock out any black. That's a great secret weapon for just this purpose. Here I have this white text on a black background. There is no alpha channel.

Screenshot 2025-01-23 at 4.57.13 PM.png

 

Using Unmult, I could create this comp.

 

Screenshot 2025-01-23 at 4.58.48 PM.png

 

I hope the technique works for your footage too.

 

Take Care,

Kevin

 

Kevin Monahan - Sr. Community & Engagement Strategist – Pro Video and Audio

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Community Beginner ,
Jan 23, 2025 Jan 23, 2025

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I wish it would, but that only works if the color you are removing isn't in the rest of the comp - as in text for example. But mine are movies that have many colors and blending. I just need a refund from Adobe now.

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Adobe Employee ,
Jan 23, 2025 Jan 23, 2025

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Sure, Brian. Please contact us here. The chat pod is on the lower right. Sorry for the hassle.

 

Thanks,

Kevin

 

Kevin Monahan - Sr. Community & Engagement Strategist – Pro Video and Audio

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