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Chromatic Aberration Effect in Photos and Videos

Gianni
Gianni Originally published Jun 26, 24, updated Jul 04, 24

What Is the Chromatic Aberration Effect?

Do you ever notice a dreamy rainbow outlining the sharp edges of your images or videos? This optical effect is the chromatic aberration effect, also known as color fringing. While some might find this effect a flaw, photographers and videographers embrace it as an aesthetic. It helps you achieve an artistic effect for your content, aiming for a nostalgic vibe.

It can be challenging to achieve chromatic aberration in a lens naturally. To achieve it in your picture, it can be effective to use a tool. A particular all-in-one editing software such as Wondershare Filmora can help you achieve this effect in a few steps. This game-changer tool enhances your overall content with the vast set of features it provides.

RGB Stroke
Glitch Dispersion
Weak Signal 2
Glitch Effect 6
Glitch Effect 18
ScanLine Heatmap
Neon Ring 3
Afterimage 4
RGB Stroke

Create a Cinematic Style Scene

Using the color aberration effect helps ditch the crisp visuals and create a cinematic style across your video. This technique is particularly effective for genres like science fiction or fantasy, where the color fringing can create a sense of unreality or a distorted perception of the world. It can help creators grab their viewers’ attention as it helps add depth and emotions to the scenes.

using chromatic aberration in cinematic style

Enhance Product Displays

This effect while showcasing your products can help marketers grab their target audience's attention. Using chromatic aberration, you can create stunning product displays that make them stand out. You can also use it to highlight specific features of your product.

using chromatic aberration in product displays

Creating 3D Visual Scenes

You can add depth to your 3D scenes with chromatic aberration by replicating color shifting, similar to the mechanism of our eye. It is necessary to balance the depth of simulation and visual appeal within the 3D visual. Using this effect, better realistic scenes can be created to improve the audience experience.

using chromatic aberrations in 3d visuals

AI Video editor takes you on a advanced Chromatic Aberration Effect creation journey

Step-By-Step Guide To Use Chromatic Aberration Effect in Filmora

After understanding the application scenarios of the chromatic aberration, let's move to the guide on how to apply it using the all-in-one video editing software Filmora:

Step 1. Set up a New Project and Import a Video

Start by launching Wondershare Filmora on your computer and continue to set up a “New Project.” Consequently, use the “Import” button on the media panel to add your video file and drag it to the timeline for editing.

setting new filmora project and import

Step 2. Add Chromatic Aberration Effect

Select the “Effects” tab and search for “Chromatic Aberration” in the search bar. Scroll down to the options given and pick the one that best suits your video. Drag the effect you’ve picked onto the timeline where your video is.

apply chromatic aberration effect

Step 3. Manage the Chromatic Aberration Effect on the Video

When you click on the effect from your timeline, an editing panel on the right side of the window opens up. Here, you can further amend the “Fade” and “Opacity” elements of the chromatic aberration effect.

adjust chromatic aberration effect

Step 4. Add the Same Video Again and Smart Cutout

After adjusting the effect, add the same video onto the timeline again and ensure that it aligns with the initial video that is added. Select the second video and move into the "AI Tools" section from the right-side editing panel. Enable the “Smart Cutout” toggle and choose “Click to start Smart Cutout” to begin the process.

apply smart cutout on video

Step 5. Select Area and Begin Smart Cutout

A new window opens, where you can use the brush to highlight the region that you do not want to include in the chromatic aberration effect. After selecting the area, choose “Click to start Smart Cutout” and let the tool process. Choose the "Save" option at the bottom right corner once it is done tracking.

select area with brush and cut

Step 6. Finalize Video and Export

After using the "Smart Cutout" feature, you can make additional changes to your video. Once you are satisfied with the final result, select the "Export" button on the top right corner and save the enhanced video to your files.

export final video from filmora

Conclusion

Despite chromatic aberration being a flaw for some creators, it is a unique and magical effect that can be added to images and videos. As we have discussed above, there are many scenarios where you can apply this effect to your content. However, what is most crucial is how you can achieve this effect with the right tool. Wondershare Filmora, as a video editing platform, is the best fit if you want magical and aesthetic content.

AI Video editor takes you on a advanced Chromatic Aberration Effect creation journey