Overlays are video or image clips that are shown over the main video, or at the same time with it. You can use these to create a split screen or picture in picture effect, add a logo or watermark, or insert a short clip without cutting the main video.
Also, you can use overlays with the Chromakey tool.
Before you start: You'll need to add both, the main video (the video that will be visible below) and the overlay video, or image to your project. You can use images in PNG format to add transparent logos.
Step 1: Place the overlay clip
1. Drag the video you want to be on top towards the top of the Timeline.
2. Drop the clip onto the overlay track, where you want it to be shown relative to the main video track. Note that the blue line now connects the overlay clip to the main clip.
This means that the overlay clip is linked to the main clip: if you move, cut, or delete the main clip, the overlay clip will also be edited.
Step 2: Edit the overlay
1. Automatically, the overlay window should open, where you can select options on how you want to position your video/image:
- Picture in picture
This is the default overlay mode. Using picture in picture mode, you can show the overlay video over any part of the screen.
1. Choose Picture in picture mode from the drop-down box.
2. In the player, move the overlay to where you want it to appear in the frame.
3. To resize the overlay or change its location on the screen, drag at its corners.
4. Deselecting the Constrain proportions option allows you to resize the overlay to any proportions, but a drastic change in proportions may make the overlay look distorted.
Picture in picture overlay
- Side by side
1. Choose Side by side mode from the menu.
Side by side overlay
- Cover
Cover mode can be used for a short insert into the main video without having to cut it. While the main video (and audio!) is playing, the overlay clip will appear on the screen for the duration of the overlay clip.
If you want to replace a video's background using the Chroma key effect, use Cover mode to place the foreground on top of the new background. Learn how to use Chroma key.
Cover overlay (the main clip is hidden)
You can also edit each overlay clip's speed and opacity.
To do that, use the Volume, Speed, and Opacity sliders in the General section of the Tools tab.