Use the Rotobrush tool: Cut out without a greenscreen

If you want to work creatively with videos, cutting out objects or people is an important building block. With a few simple steps, you can achieve excellent results even without using a greenscreen. In this tutorial, I will explain how to effectively use the Rotobrush Tool in After Effects to isolate elements from your video and use them as individual layers for your projects. Get ready for exciting possibilities!

Main Insights

• With the Rotobrush Tool, you can cut out people or objects from videos without using a greenscreen.
• The technique allows working with complex backgrounds and provides you with more flexible designs.
• You can create multiple duplicates of the cut-out object and integrate them into your project.

Step-by-Step Guide

To use the Rotobrush Tool optimally, follow these steps.

Start by importing your desired video into After Effects. You want to use a clip showing a person dancing on the beach to demonstrate how the cutting out works. When you're ready, create a new composition from the clip. Make sure the composition has the correct length and resolution to make the most out of your video.

Now that your clip is available, select the layer you want to edit. Activate the Rotobrush Tool located in the tool area. You are now ready to start the selection process. Drag the Rotobrush over the person you want to cut out. The software will now automatically calculate the areas you want to keep.

An important point is that you do not apply the Rotobrush Tool uniformly everywhere. Make sure to select only the relevant parts to achieve the best result. If you have selected areas incorrectly, you can easily correct them using the tool's retouch function. This is quick and very intuitive.

After making the selection, you can adjust the layer to improve the quality. Check the result and make sure all desired parts are visible, and the edges are clean. Use the option to preview in real time so you can immediately see how the changes affect the entire image.

Now comes the exciting part: creating the new layer. You can now move the cut-out person to a different location in the video or combine them with other elements. Experiment with placements to ensure the new composition looks harmonious. The flexibility to create multiple duplicates gives you additional design possibilities.

If you are working with multiple clips or scenes, it is advisable to apply the same techniques to all clips you want to edit. This way, the consistency of your work is maintained, and you create a cohesive story. You can also try different backgrounds and adjust the cut-out person to achieve creative effects.

Remember to explore the various possibilities that the Rotobrush Tool offers. It is a powerful tool that allows you to achieve visually stunning results and elevate your projects to the next level. Maintain an overview and work step by step so you can make the most of each function.

Summary

The Rotobrush Tool is an indispensable tool for creative video work. With it, you can easily cut out people or objects from a video without relying on a greenscreen. The possibilities that arise are enormous. From creating new compositions to adjusting the cut-out elements, you can let your creativity run wild. Use the mentioned steps to create a masterpiece from your video recordings!