Video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro: Using the track matte effect

In this tutorial, you will learn how to use masks and the Track Matte effect in Adobe Premiere Pro CC to add a Mexican flag at the beginning of a sequence and adjust the following clip to that flag. The techniques you will learn will allow you to make creative transitions and adjustments to your clips. Let's get started!

Key Takeaways

• Masks and Track Matte effects are crucial for creative video editing.
• You can adjust clips with a flag or other graphic elements.
• By properly applying these techniques, you can achieve appealing visual effects that make your videos stand out.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Color Corrections and Overview of Clips

Before you start arranging the clips, it's helpful to go through all of them and make color corrections. Good color correction ensures that your clips look cohesive and professional. You can use the Lumetri Color effect to brighten up your clips or enhance colors.

2. Enabling the Audio Track

After completing the color corrections, re-enable the audio track. This allows you to synchronize the timing of the clips with the music.

3. Clip Selection and Positioning

Make sure to select an initial clip that fits well with the theme of the sequence. In this case, you could choose a drone clip showing a beautiful perspective over the beach. Drag this clip to the beginning of your sequence.

4. Splitting the Clip to Insert the Flag

Now you need to make a cut at the point where you want to insert the Mexican flag. Zoom in closer to pinpoint the exact timing for the flag to appear.

5. Importing the Mexican Flag

Import the Mexican flag into your project from the project assets. Then drag it above your second video track to integrate it into your image.

6. Adjusting and Removing the Clip

At the point where the flag appears, you now need to split the right clip and remove the unnecessary right side. This will effectively integrate the flag into your sequence.

7. Opacity and Masking

Now comes the creative part where you want to fade the flag in and out. Set the flag's opacity to about 70% so that it is never fully visible, but serves as an overlay element.

8. Adding a Mask

To trim the clip under the flag, you can add a rectangular mask. Select the flag and choose the rectangular mask to apply it to the flag.

9. Applying the Track Matte Effect

Another method to adjust the flag is by applying the Track Matte effect. Drag the Track Matte Key onto your drone clip and select the Mexican flag as the mask. This ensures that only the area of the flag is visible.

10. Adjustment and Fine-tuning

If the flag is no longer visible, add a new video track and place the flag over the clip again. Also, set the opacity back to 70% here. This will give you the same effect as before, but with more flexibility.

11. Further Applications of the Track Matte

Use the Track Matte for other creative effects like transitions or text overlays. You can also use the technique to dynamically make text appear in the image.

12. Sequence Check

Review your finished work by playing the video and audio tracks together. Make sure that everything fits well in rhythm and context with the music.

Summary

In this tutorial, you have learned how to insert a Mexican flag into your video sequence and work with masks and the Track Matte effect. These techniques are crucial to elevate your videos to a professional level and make them visually appealing.