How to Create Vignette Effects With After Effects: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this article, we will explore the process of creating a vignette effect in Adobe After Effects. A vignette is a popular video editing technique used to draw attention to the center of an image while blurring the edges. This effect can be achieved by using various methods and techniques in After Effects.

To begin, open your project in After Effects and place a composition on the timeline. Select a clip to which you would like to add a vignette, then create a Solid layer by going to Layer > New > Solid or using the Command +Y keyboard shortcut.

Next, head over to the Mask settings and click on the Add drop-down menu. Change the selected option to Subtract or make sure that the Inverted checkbox is marked. This will allow you to see the center of the video clip while its edges are black.

To automatically fit the size of the vignette to the size of your composition, simply double-click on the Ellipse Tool icon in the Toolbar. The shape of the Solid mask displayed on the preview screen will change after you select a new shape tool, but you'll notice that the layer is still covering the center of the image while the edges remain unaffected.

Vignettes typically have an oval shape, but you can choose any other shape if it fits the particular video clip you're working on. Locate the Shape Tool in the After Effects toolbar and then choose the Ellipse Tool from the menu.

When setting the solid color, choose black or white as these colors are commonly used for vignettes. Experimenting with other colors may produce underwhelming results.

In addition to creating a vignette using After Effects' built-in tools, you can also use plugins to add this effect to your video clips. We'll explore some of these options in Part 2 of our series on adding vignette effects to videos with plugins for After Effects.

Whether you're working on a film, commercial, or social media video, vignettes are an effective way to draw attention to the center of an image and add visual interest. With Adobe After Effects, creating a vignette is easier than ever before. Follow these simple steps and start experimenting with this popular video editing technique today.

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