# SAM 3 Rotoscoping

<figure><img src="/files/LVomv2UlV0c9ZccJTSCB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Tutorial

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/6vHPRgheHTQ?si=BqWh4DEvM7BBQpb2>" %}

### How It Works

1. **Import video** - Use Import Clip button or drag & drop
2. **Click "Edit"** - On video thumbnail
3. **Select SAM 3** - From model selector (default for videos)
4. **Choose selection method** - Text prompt, box, or point selection
5. **Track Frame** - Preview mask on first frame (optional)
6. **Track Entire Video** - Process all frames
7. **Remove Background** - Export transparent ProRes 4444 video

### Selection Methods

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/Gd6RhzHwW4CnNOM0DwCm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### Text Prompt Selection

**Best for:** Clear subjects, simple scenes

1. **Select "Text" input mode**
2. **Type description:** "the person in the white shirt"
3. **Click "Track Frame"** - Preview on first frame
4. **Review mask** - Ensure correct selection
5. **Track Entire Video** - Process all frames

**Example prompts:**

* "the person"
* "the car"
* "the product"
* "the dancer in the center"

<figure><img src="/files/7kKF8iSjSpcDYngcVeJW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Box Selection

**Best for:** Precise control, complex scenes

1. **Select "Box" input mode**
2. **Draw rectangle** around subject
3. **Optional:** Add helper text describing selection
4. **Click "Track Frame"** - Preview mask
5. **Track Entire Video** - Process all frames

**Tips:**

* Draw box tightly around subject
* Include entire subject in box
* Helper text improves accuracy

<figure><img src="/files/qUWyl3kKNSKY62ymMTLe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Point Selection

**Best for:** Quick selection, single objects

1. **Select "Point" input mode**
2. **Click on subject** to add points
3. **Add multiple points** for better accuracy
4. **Optional:** Add helper text
5. **Click "Track Frame"** - Preview
6. **Track Entire Video** - Process

**Tips:**

* Click on center of subject
* Multiple points improve tracking
* Use for objects, not complex scenes

### Workflow Steps

#### Step 1: Track Frame (Preview)

**Purpose:** Preview your selection before processing entire video

1. **Make selection** (text, box, or point)
2. **Click "Track Frame"**
3. **Wait for processing** (few seconds)
4. **Review mask overlay** on first frame
5. **Adjust if needed** - Change selection and track again

**Why this matters:**

* Saves time and credits
* Ensures correct selection
* Allows refinement before full processing
* Shows mask quality

#### Step 2: Track Entire Video

**Purpose:** Process all frames of your video

1. **Confirm selection** looks good from Track Frame
2. **Click "Track Entire Video"**
3. **Wait for processing** (scales with video length)
4. **Progress indicator** shows status
5. **Mask data generated** for all frames

**Processing time:**

* 10-second clip: \~30-60 seconds
* 30-second clip: \~2-3 minutes
* Longer clips take proportionally longer

#### Step 3: Remove Background

**Purpose:** Export transparent video file

1. **After tracking completes**
2. **Click "Remove Background"**
3. **FFmpeg conversion** creates transparent video
4. **ProRes 4444 output** with alpha channel
5. **Download or Import** to Premiere Pro

**Output format:**

* **Format:** ProRes 4444 (.mov)
* **Alpha channel:** Full transparency
* **Quality:** Professional grade
* **Compatibility:** Premiere Pro ready

### Best Practices

#### Video Preparation

1. **Keep clips short** - Under 30 seconds for faster processing
2. **Good contrast** - Subject should stand out from background
3. **Stable footage** - Works best with steady shots
4. **Clear subject** - Well-defined subjects track better
5. **Good lighting** - Well-lit subjects produce cleaner masks

#### Selection Tips

1. **Be specific in text prompts** - "the person" vs. "person in blue shirt"
2. **Draw tight boxes** - Include entire subject, minimal background
3. **Use multiple points** - For point selection, add 2-3 points
4. **Preview first** - Always use Track Frame before full processing
5. **Refine if needed** - Adjust selection and re-track if mask is wrong

#### Processing Tips

1. **Start with short clips** - Test workflow with 5-10 second clips
2. **Check first frame** - Ensure Track Frame looks good
3. **Be patient** - Full video processing takes time
4. **Monitor progress** - Watch progress indicator
5. **Save results** - Download or import when complete

### Use Cases

#### Product Isolation

**Example:**

* Import product demo video
* Text prompt: "the product"
* Track Entire Video
* Remove Background
* Result: Product on transparent background for compositing

#### Portrait Background Removal

**Example:**

* Import talking head video
* Box selection around person
* Track Entire Video
* Remove Background
* Result: Person isolated for new background

#### Object Extraction

**Example:**

* Import video with multiple objects
* Text prompt: "the car in the foreground"
* Track Entire Video
* Remove Background
* Result: Car isolated for compositing

### Output Details

#### ProRes 4444 Format

**Characteristics:**

* **Codec:** Apple ProRes 4444
* **Alpha channel:** Full transparency support
* **Quality:** Professional, lossless alpha
* **File size:** Larger than MP4 (high quality)
* **Compatibility:** Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro

#### Importing to Premiere Pro

1. **Download** transparent video
2. **Import** into Premiere Pro project
3. **Place on timeline** above background
4. **Composite** with other footage
5. **Alpha channel** automatically used

### Limitations

#### Video Length

* **Recommended:** Under 30 seconds
* **Maximum:** 5 minutes
* **Processing time:** Scales with length
* **Longer clips:** Consider trimming first

#### Resolution

* **Maximum:** 2160p (4K) for Kling O3 VFX
* **Standard:** 1080p recommended
* **Higher resolution:** Slower processing
* **Lower resolution:** Faster processing

#### Subject Complexity

* **Simple subjects:** Work best (single person, object)
* **Complex scenes:** May require refinement
* **Multiple subjects:** May need separate passes
* **Overlapping objects:** Can be challenging

### Troubleshooting

#### "Track Frame not working"

**Solutions:**

* Ensure you've made a selection (text, box, or point)
* Check video is properly loaded
* Try different selection method
* Verify API keys are configured

#### "Mask is wrong on some frames"

**Solutions:**

* Use more specific text prompt
* Try box selection for better control
* Add helper text for box/point selection
* Process in shorter segments if needed

#### "Processing is too slow"

**Solutions:**

* Trim video to shorter duration
* Use lower resolution source
* Keep clips under 30 seconds
* Check internet connection

#### "Background not fully removed"

**Solutions:**

* Refine selection with Track Frame
* Use box selection for precise control
* Try different selection method
* Process again with adjusted selection

***

**Next:** Learn about Reshoot for video regeneration and style transfer.


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