Transparent video in MOV ProRes 4444

What is ProRes 4444?

ProRes 4444 is an Apple video codec, used in .mov files, that can store an alpha channel alongside the colors. That's why it's the standard for moving transparent video between apps.

Careful: the other flavors (ProRes 422, 422 HQ, LT…) don't keep transparency. Only 4444 (and 4444 XQ) do. It's read by all the major editing apps, on Mac and Windows.

Can Keyotte export ProRes 4444?

No. Keyotte only exports an H.264 MP4 up to 1080p on flat green #00B140, with the sound.

You can make a ProRes 4444 yourself, though: import the green screen clip into your editor, key out the green, then export to ProRes 4444 with alpha.

How do you export ProRes 4444 with transparency?

In your editor, choose the QuickTime (.mov) container, the Apple ProRes 4444 codec, and turn on the option that includes the alpha channel. Labels vary between versions, but those three settings are always there.

• Premiere Pro: QuickTime format, Apple ProRes 4444 codec, alpha channel option ticked in the video settings.
• DaVinci Resolve: Deliver page, QuickTime format, ProRes 4444 codec, Export Alpha ticked.
• Final Cut Pro: share as a master file with the Apple ProRes 4444 codec.

What are the downsides of ProRes 4444?

The files are very large, far bigger than an MP4 of the same length, and you can't post them as is on social media. They're for moving work between apps, not for publishing.

Not every player handles it either: some show it with no transparency, on black. If that's you, read transparent video turns black.

How do you check a ProRes 4444 is really transparent?

Drop it into an editing app above a colored image: if the image shows around the subject, the alpha is there. If you see black, alpha wasn't turned on at export.

Don't trust your computer's default video player: many show black even when the file is fine. Also make sure nobody converted it along the way, for example by sending it through a messaging app that re-encodes to MP4.

Do you really need ProRes 4444?

Often not. If the clip ends up in an edit, keeping the green and keying it in the final project is simpler and much lighter. ProRes 4444 matters when another editor, a motion designer or an animation tool expects a transparent file.

For the web, transparent WebM is a better fit. To compare formats, see transparent background videos.