The split diopter effect gives a cinematic feel to your videos by keeping a part of the video focused while blurring out the rest. Here's how to create this effect in Adobe After Effects:
Step 1: Collect Your Footage
Gather the video footage you want to apply the split diopter look to. Ensure that your video has both near and far elements, as this effect is most effective when there's a depth difference.
Step 2: Create a Mask
- Import your footage into After Effects.
- Go to the "Layers" panel and select your footage layer.
- Click the "Add" icon and choose "Mask" from the dropdown menu.
- Use the Pen tool or the mask shape options to draw a mask around the area you want to keep focused.
Step 3: Apply the Gaussian Blur Effect
- Click on the "Effects" tab in the top menu.
- Navigate to "Blur & Sharpen" and select "Gaussian Blur."
- Drag and drop the Gaussian Blur effect onto your footage layer or click the "Add" button next to the effect.
- In the "Gaussian Blur" effect controls, adjust the "Blur Radius" value to achieve your desired level of blur.
Step 4: Mask the Gaussian Blur Effect
- Select the Gaussian Blur effect layer in the timeline.
- Click on the "Layer" menu and choose "Track Matte" from the dropdown.
- Select your previously created mask from the "Layer Mask" dropdown menu.
This step will ensure that the blur is applied only to the area outside the mask, leaving the masked region sharp.
Step 5: Blur the Background Layer
- Create a new solid color layer by clicking the "Layer" menu and selecting "New" > "Solid."
- Move this new layer below your footage layer in the timeline.
- Apply the Gaussian Blur effect to the solid color layer.
- Adjust the blur amount to create a smooth transition between the in-focus and blurred parts of the video.
Step 6: Fine-Tune the Effect
- Play back your video and observe how the split diopter effect looks.
- Adjust the mask position, blur radius, and other parameters to fine-tune the effect until you achieve the desired visual impact.
Step 7: Render and Export
- Once you're satisfied with the split diopter look, render your video by going to the "Composition" menu and choosing "Add to Render Queue."
- Select the appropriate output settings and render your video.
- Export the rendered video in your desired format.
Note: The split diopter effect can also be achieved with other masking techniques or third-party plugins, but this method is relatively simple and straightforward using Adobe After Effects' native tools.