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# Setting the Softness Range

After you choose a colour model based component keyer and set the average colour, adjust the softness range. The softness at the edges of the matte increases as you increase the softness range. To set the softness, you can use the colour picker, the numeric fields, or the Master Softness field.

To set the softness using the colour picker:

1. Zoom in to see the edges of the matte more clearly.
2. Click Softness in the selected colour model menu.

   The cursor changes to a colour picker.

3. Position the colour picker at the edge of the matte. To increase the softness, click and slowly drag the colour picker toward the centre of the matte. The values within the area you selected are used to adjust the maximum and minimum values for the softness range. The positions of the yellow lines change as you drag the cursor on the image.

   (a) Master Softness field(b) Minimum Softness field(c) Maximum Softness field

4. To increase or decrease the softness range, click the + or - button beside the Softness button and then click an area of the image.

To set the softness range using the numeric fields:

1. Set the minimum value for the softness range using the Minimum Softness field on the left side of the colour bar.
2. Set the maximum value for the softness range using the Maximum Softness field on the right side of the colour bar.

NoteYou can also set the softness range by entering a numeric value in the Master Softness field.
TipAs a reference, when setting softness and tolerance ranges, you can display the colour value for any pixel in the key-in clip using the Plot tool. You can then adjust the tolerance or softness range so the pixel falls within one of the ranges. For example, plot pixels at the edges of the matte to check for softness, or plot pixels in the background to check for tolerance.

To plot a pixel's colour values:

1. Click Plot.

   The cursor changes to a colour picker.

2. Select a pixel in the image area.

   A red bar appears in each colour gradient showing the colour value of the pixel.

After you have adjusted the softness range, set the tolerance range.

#### Related Information

- Creating a Key by Extracting a Range of Colours with the HLS, YUV, RGB and RGBCMYL Keyers
- Chroma Keying and Working with Green Screens