How to Add a Picture as a Background in After Effects

Introduction

This tutorial explains how to add a picture as a background in After Effects while keeping the subject from your video in the foreground. You’ll use the Roto Brush tool to remove the original background and place an image behind the subject for a clean composite.

Step 1: Import Video and Background Image

Go to File > Import > File and import:

The video you want to edit
The background image

Drag both files onto the timeline. Step 2: Remove the Original Background with Roto Brush

Double-click the video layer to open it in the Layer panel. Select the Roto Brush Tool (Alt / Option + W). Paint over everything you want to keep in the video (the subject). When the selection is correct, click Freeze.