Neon signs are making a comeback. You may have already noticed them in music videos, vlog backgrounds, commercials, and movie intros. While not being overly distracting, the neon text effect can become a stylish addition to your video and make it more memorable.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to add a neon text sign to a video using VSDC Free Video Editor. Then, we’ll show you how to place it behind an object, and add the perspective or flickering effects. Before getting started, download VSDC from the official website.

Step 1. Add a background to the scene

The best way to start a project in VSDC is by using the Import content button on the start screen. For this effect, you can use both images and videos as a background. However, keep in mind that neon signs always look better in front of dark or even monochrome footage. If your background isn’t dark enough, feel free to use the Adjustments settings from the Video Effects menu to correct the brightness and the contrast.

Pro tip: before you move on to the next step, we recommend selecting a text font or at least checking some examples for inspiration. The built-in VSDC text editor does contain quite a few fonts you can use in your video. However, you may want to visit free font libraries for something artsy and download additional fonts to your PC. Once you do that, VSDC will automatically include them in the list of options.

Check this roundup of beautiful fonts that will look stunning with the neon light effect.

Step 2. Type the text for the sign

Using the menu on the left-hand side, select Text and add it to the scene. Use the text editor at the top to change the size, font, alignment, and other settings. Keep in mind that you’ll be able to make adjustments at any point.

For our example, we used the following parameters:

• Fonts: Acquest Script and Impact
• Text color 1: white; contour color 1: none
• Text color 2: none (to make letters hollow, set text color opacity at 0%); contour color 2: bright pink - plus, we’ve increased the contour thickness to 12px

When selecting the color, you want to go for a bright one. For example, you can use white letters and then add a bright color neon light to it. You can also use bright blue, green, or pink for the text - in this case, the sign will be of less contrast with the background.

Step 3. Add a shadow effect to imitate neon glow

To imitate the shining around the text, we’ll be using the Shadow effect. Open the Video Effects menu, proceed to Nature, and select Shadow. Then go to the Properties window on the right-hand side and set 0 for the following parameters:

• Light angle
• Shadow distance

This will place the shadow in maximum proximity to the text. However, you can also hit the Show/hide center button and use a little cross to drag the shadow around.

Next, open the Shadow color selection and choose the color of the glow. The best options are bright blue, bright pink, or green. However, feel free to use any colors of your choice.

Lastly, increase Shadow max size to your taste. This parameter defines how big the shadow is or, in this case, how far the neon light will shine. To increase the brightness even more, tweak the Intensity control as well. Once ready, go ahead and export your video.

Now that you have a better idea of how this effect works, let’s see how you can use neon text signs in your videos – besides just placing them in the middle of the screen.

Neon text effect examples for your video

Essentially, you can apply the same effects to the neon text you would apply to any object:

• create transitions
• change perspective angle
• use special effects such as Glitch, movement, motion tracking, and more

If you keep your eyes open, you’ll start noticing neon signs in the media more often – and this is how you find ideas for your inspiration. Below are three examples you can practice on.

1. Neon text behind an object

One impressive way to use a neon sign effect in a video is to place it behind an object. For example, if you’re working on a character intro, this trick might be exactly what you need.

Keep in mind that you’ll need a video with a green background to recreate this example. Once you remove the background using Chroma Key, create a neon text sign following the instructions above and move it one layer below the video on the timeline. This way the sign will be placed behind the character or an object in the video.

Watch our video guide if you want to learn more about placing text behind objects.

2. Neon sign attached to a surface

If you want to create an illusion of a neon sign attached to a surface, for example, a wall, a billboard sign, or a ground, you’ll need to apply the Perspective effect. To do it, just select the text object either on the scene or on the timeline, then open the Video Effects menu, find Transforms, and select Perspective. Then go to the Properties window on the right-hand side to adjust the angle.

In addition to the perspective effect, in this example, we’ve also used a simple free movement effect. You can find out more about it in this tutorial.

3. Flickering neon sign (Pro-level)

When we released our neon text tutorial on YouTube, a few people asked for the flickering effect. To be fair, flickering does make the neon text in a video look even more natural and eye-catching. However, to recreate it, you’ll need to upgrade to VSDC Pro which is available at $19.99 per year.

VSDC Pro comes with quite a few features you’ll find helpful if you’re serious about your video editing hobby. For instance, you’ll get video masking, motion tracking, audio waveform, advanced Chroma Key, and most importantly, the non-linear parameter change feature.

This means you’ll be able to make any effect change its intensity over time. For example, to achieve the flickering effect below, we’ve set the Shadow intensity level to jump between the high and low values multiple times. As a result, the neon glow becomes bright, then almost disappears, and becomes bright again.

To recreate this example, access the Shadow effect properties, find Intensity and click on the graph line to switch from the Linear parameter change to the Parameter change along the curve. Then hit the three-dot icon to open the graph on the timeline.

A double-click anywhere on the graph creates a new control point that defines the value of the parameter. In other words, by clicking at the top of the graph, you apply a high Shadow Intensity value for that moment on the timeline; by clicking at the bottom, you apply a low Shadow Intensity value. As you form the curve, the Shadow Intensity value changes from high to low to high again, and it looks like a flickering effect in the video.

Add a realistic neon light sign to your video for free

Once you get the hang of this technique, you’ll be able to apply it to other objects added to the scene including shapes, icons, PNG images with a transparent background, and even videos. Go ahead and try it for yourself!

Got any questions? DM us on Facebook or leave a comment on our YouTube channel.

Download VSDC Free Video Editor

Most non-linear video editors allow you to place two videos side by side. This effect is also known as a “split screen” effect. Depending on what you’re trying to achieve, you can have the same video or two different videos play side by side. And once you get the hang of the technique, you’ll be able to use as many videos as you want.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to place videos side by side using VSDC Free Video Editor. It’s a lightweight non-linear video editor for Windows PC, and it’s perfect for this task because you can resize and adjust video files directly in the scene. Before getting started, you need to download VSDC from the official website.

Step 1. Import and resize your footage

Launch VSDC on your computer and import your video file. You can also just drag and drop it to the scene. Right-click on the video and select Properties - the Properties window will slide-in from the right-hand side. Find Common settings → Coordinates → Width.

Then halve the value of the frame width and manually type the new number. For example, if the original frame width was 1920, type 960.

Step 2. Prepare the second video

If you want to duplicate the original video, you can use Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V right on the working area. Alternatively, you can right-click on the original video, select Duplicate, and then paste the copy to the timeline. Since the created copy will have the same frame width, all you need is to drag it to the right and place the videos side by side.

Another option is to use two different videos in the scene. In this case, you want to make sure that both videos have the same size and quality. Otherwise, the difference will be noticeable and you’ll get a poor looking effect.

If you decide to go this route, drag the second video to the timeline and resize it the same way you resized the first video: go to the Properties window and halve the value in Coordinates → Width. Then, drag the video to the right side of the scene.

Keep in mind: on the timeline the two videos should be placed strictly one under another. That is, if you want them to play simultaneously. If you want one video to start with a delay, drag it to the right on the timeline. You can also have videos change on one side or another. For that, place videos on the same level on the timeline - one by one.

And your side by side video is ready now. Go to the Export project tab and save it to your PC in the required format.

Get inspired for your next split screen video

Side-by-side videos are great for promo clips, presentations, vlogs, and before-and-after comparisons. The split screen effect has also been used in movies since the middle of the 20th century. You can see split screens in such classic movies as Pillow Talk (1959) and Dressed to Kill (1980).

Split screen is an efficient way to show things happening at the same time in two different places, just like in Kill Bill vol.1.

It works well for showing different perspectives of the same object - or the same event. For instance, you may want to incorporate the “Expectations and reality” comparison, like the creators of 500 Days of Summer.

Once you get the concept, you’ll be able to create horizontal split screens (just change the height of a video file instead of its width) or make multiple videos play side by side.

Whether it's for comparative or creative reasons, placing videos side by side is quite an easy task even though it might look complicated at first. You’ll be able to recreate this effect within a couple of minutes even if you’re a complete newbie.

Feeling like trying something mode advanced? Check out this video tutorial for creating a diagonal split screen in VSDC Pro:

You may be interested in the previous lesson place two videos side by side.

Unless you’re recording videos in a professional studio, it can be difficult to avoid background noises. We know that because we struggle with background noises every week while preparing video tutorials for our YouTube channel. Luckily, there is an easy solution, and it’s available right in the free version of VSDC Video Editor.

Background noises can be broadly divided into two categories: quiet constant sounds and loud sudden sounds. In this article, we’ll focus on the first category because it’s more common and trickier. To remove such background noise from a video, you’ll need to apply an audio filter called “Audio gate” (often referred to as “Noise gate” or “Gate”). Gates are particularly efficient at removing noises produced by a working air conditioner, a fan, a loud computer, or any other type of unwanted low-frequency sounds in your video. For loud sounds like pops and clicks, you’ll want to use a so-called “Median” filter.

Feel free to watch this video tutorial and read the details below.

How does a noise gate help remove background noise from a video?

Noise gates are the most common type of background noise removers. You should think of them as real gates or channels that allow certain sounds to pass through and prevent other sounds from getting in. However, their parameters must be set individually for each video, and if you want to apply the correct settings, you should understand how noise gates work.

Think of the last video you’ve recorded: its average volume – whether it’s your voice or the sound of music – remains at approximately the same level throughout the entire clip, right? That level is called threshold. Whenever the software detects sounds that fall below that threshold, it automatically makes them quieter.

Fans, ACs, loud PC processors – all these humming, hissing, and buzzing background noises are indeed typically lower than your voice, and that’s why gates are so efficient at removing them. However, if you have real cacophony in the background consisting of both quiet and loud sounds, you might have to apply both the Noise gate and the Median filter.

Keep in mind that even with the same type of background noise, there is no way to click on a button and magically remove all the unwanted sounds. Regardless of the software you’re using, you’ll have to do it manually. Be prepared to spend some time toggling controls, tweaking the settings, and literally playing it by ear.

With that said, let’s see how VSDC Free Video Editor helps you with that challenge.

How to remove background noise from video in VSDC using a gating filter

Once you’ve uploaded your footage to VSDC, right-click on it and select Audio effects - Filters - Gate.

When you do that, the Properties window will slide in from the right side. It contains all the controls you need to set the correct noise removal parameters. If you can’t find the Properties window, right-click on the Gate filter on the timeline and select “Properties”.

Time to go back to the gate metaphor we described earlier. The Gate filter allows you to control when the “gate” opens and closes, how fast it opens and closes, and what kind of sounds get in. To apply all these settings, you’ll be using the following parameters:

• Threshold. Threshold is the decibel level at which the gate opens. You should set it based on how loud the background noise is. The higher the threshold value is, the louder must be the sound to open the gate.
• Attack. Attack is the parameter defining how fast the gate opens. The higher the attack value is, the slower the gate will be opening. It is recommended to set it at a low value for percussive sounds and higher values (10 ms or more) for other types of sounds.
• Release. Release defines how fast the gate closes after opening. Change its value based on the sound type you’re working with. For instance, if you’re recording an electric guitar, you should set a higher value to create a natural-sounding audio decay.
• Reduction. This value defines how drastic the signal reduction will be. Use it carefully and listen to the result.
• Ratio. Ratio controls compression applied to the background noise. In other words, this is the parameter that defines how much quieter the unwanted sounds will be after gating. For instance, for compressing 4dB signals down to 1dB, set the Ratio value at 4 (4:1).
• Knee. Knee is a parameter that controls the compressor’s response to the signal crossing the threshold. It means that compression can be applied instantly or with a delay. A hard knee clamps down right away, while a soft knee causes the compressor to gradually kick in as the signal gets further past the threshold
• Make-up gain. Make-up gain increases the level of the signal after it has been processed already.

According to LANDR, a creative platform for musicians, the best strategy is to start with all the parameters set at a minimum except for the Threshold. With that in mind, try the following sequence:

1. Set the Threshold at maximum while keeping everything else at minimum.
2. Start lowering the Threshold until you start hearing the main sound of your video.
3. Start raising the Attack, the Release, and the Knee values one after another and listen to the result every time you make a change.
4. Fine-tune the rest of the parameters based on the results.

Removing background noise from a video is possible even if you’re a newbie

Keep in mind that while you might be trying to eliminate the unwanted noise only, at some point you’ll notice that your voice or your music may sound different, too. That is normal and expected since you’re changing the signal threshold. Keep tweaking the settings until you get a decent result and remember that masquerading a background noise with a background tune is also an option! Plus, you can always just remove audio from a video and record a voiceover.

Have any questions? Feel free to email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or DM us on Facebook.

Starting from version 6.6, VSDC includes a new feature called Face Landmarks. Face Landmarks allow you to quickly place stylized masks on the face of a person in a video. You can select mask templates from the VSDC collection or upload your own image and use it as a mask. And yes, the mask will stay on the face and will be moving along, just like in Instagram or Snapchat.

In this quick tutorial, we’ll show you how to use Face Landmarks. Feel free to watch the video before reading the text version.

How to apply the Face Landmarks effect

The new feature is available under the Special FX menu, so to apply it, you’ll need to open Video effects, proceed to Special FX, and select Face Landmarks. By default, the effect will be applied from the current cursor position. If you want to apply it from the beginning of the scene, select the corresponding option in the pop-up “Object position settings” window.

Once you’ve applied the effect, it will appear in the new tab on the timeline; its settings will be available in the Properties window on the right-hand side. If you can’t find the Properties window, right-click on the effect layer and select “Properties”.

You can download mask templates directly from the VSDC gallery. Alternatively, hit “Download” to access the gallery from the program and get the desired collection of templates.

Keep in mind that the Face Landmarks effect is powered by neural networks, so there is little you can customize. Essentially, all you can do is slightly adjust AI face detection, the sizing and the position of the mask.

Face Landmarks: effect settings overview

In the Properties window, find Face landmark settings. From there, you’ll be able to select a template, adjust the detected face oval scale, and correct mask position for each control point. Let’s overview these parameters, one by one.

Template group. If you have already downloaded the template collection to your PC, use the Browse icon to upload it to the editor. Then, select the desired template group using the dropdown menu.

Apply template. Each template group contains several templates. Use this dropdown menu to select the template you want to use in the video.

Face width scale and Face height scale allow you to correct the detected face oval based on the original dimensions.

Notice that the last two parameters allow you to set the Initial value and the Final value. This means you can change face oval width or height scale over time, and the mask will adjust accordingly. This might be useful if the face size in the video changes during the playback.

To display the face oval detected by the app, make a click on the Show bounding ellipse button.

The next set of parameters is dedicated to control points, a.k.a. face landmarks. By default, you can set up the following points:

• Left ear
• Right ear
• Nose tip
• Left eye
• Right eye

On some occasions, you might need additional points to place the mask more precisely. Such additional points include:

• Between eyes
• Head top
• Under nose
• Face bottom
• Under left eye
• Under right eye

The default point detection works well most times. However, if you need to adjust the mask in any particular spot, you can do that. Simply click on the little triangle next to the point name to expand the set of available parameters.

Let’s take a closer look at these parameters to see how they affect the result when you tweak the settings.

Point settings

Use Rotation angle if you need to rotate the mask around the selected point, clockwise or counterclockwise.

Position angle helps you change the position of points located on the ellipse border.

Distance scale defines the distance between the point and the ellipse border. This parameter value is calculated based on the distance between the center of the face and the selected point.

Width means mask width.

Scale height allows you to correct the mask height.

The Transparency parameter allows you to make the mask less visible.

The Mirror image option flips the mask around the selected point.

Compensate face motion is the mode you want to apply when you need the mask to adjust its position based on face movements.

Similarly, if the face is jittering or shaking, you should use Jitter compensation.

Go ahead and test the new feature

Despite the lengthy description, using Face Landmarks is easy and straightforward. Download the new version of VSDC to your computer and try it for yourself. Remember to subscribe to VSDC YouTube channel if you want to stay tuned with the updates and learn new video editing tricks.