Step-by-Step Guide of How To Remove Shadow From Video

Shadows in videos can make footage look dark, uneven, and unprofessional—especially in low-light or backlit scenes. The fastest and most effective way to remove shadows from video is using AI-powered video enhancers, which automatically brighten dark areas and restore lost details without manual editing.

In this guide, you’ll learn two proven ways to remove shadows from video.

Part 1. Best Way to Remove Shadows From Video Automatically (AI Method)

If you want to remove shadows from video without complex adjustments, HitPaw VikPea is the best solution. This exceptional software utilizes AI algorithms to analyze brightness, contrast, and lighting patterns frame by frame, automatically correcting shadowed areas while preserving natural colors and details.

Why Choose HitPaw VikPea for Shadow Removal?

HitPaw VikPea is an AI video enhancer designed for low-light and shadow-heavy footage:

• Automatically removes shadows and uneven lighting
• Brightens dark areas without overexposure
• Restores details lost in shadows
• Upscales videos up to 4K/8K for clearer output
• No manual masking or color tuning required
• Beginner-friendly interface with real-time preview

How to Remove Shadows From Video Using AI

• Step 1: Download and Install HitPaw VikPea
  Start by downloading and installing HitPaw VikPea from their official website.

  
  

• Step 2: Import Your Video
  Launch the software and choose AI Model from the left side panel. Cilck Choose File to import the video with the shadows you want to remove.

  

• Step 3: Choose the Low-light Model
  From the right AI models under AI Color module, select the Low-light Enhancement Model which is designed to excel in shadow removal scenarios.

  

• Step 4: Export Settings
  In the Export Settings, you can set up the output resolution, bit rate, and output format.

  

• Step 5: Preview
  Click the Preview button to preview the video to ensure the shadows have been successfully removed.

  

• Step 6: Export
  If you're satisfied with the result, click the Export button to save the enhanced video in your preferred format.

  

By mastering these techniques, you can elevate your video content, captivate your audience, and produce professional-looking videos that leave a lasting impression.

Part 2. How to Remove Shadow From Video in Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro allows you to remove shadows from video manually, but the process requires experience and careful adjustment. This method is best for professionals who need precise control over specific shadow areas.

Step 1: Import Your Video

Begin by launching Adobe Premiere Pro and importing your video clip with the troublesome shadows. Once your video is in the timeline, you're ready to start.

Step 2: Duplicate Your Video Layer

To isolate the shadows for removal, duplicate the video layer on the timeline. You can do this by right-clicking on the video clip and selecting "Duplicate."

Step 3: Apply the "Ultra Key" Effect

Go to the Effects panel and search for the "Ultra Key" effect. Drag and drop it onto the duplicated video layer. This effect is used for keying out specific colors, and it's incredibly useful for removing shadows.

Step 4: Adjust the Key Settings

In the Effect Controls panel, select the "Ultra Key" effect on the duplicated layer. Now, use the eyedropper tool to click on the shadow areas in your video. Premiere Pro will automatically key out these shadow regions. You can fine-tune the settings to ensure the shadows are completely removed.

Step 5: Refine and Export

After adjusting the settings to your satisfaction, you should have a video with the shadows removed. You can further enhance the overall quality of your video by color grading, adding filters, or adjusting brightness and contrast. Once you're satisfied, export your video in the desired format.

Part 3. What is Shadow in Video?

Before we embark on our journey to eliminate shadows from videos, let's take a moment to understand what these shadows actually are. In the realm of videography, shadows are areas in your footage that appear darker than the surrounding regions due to uneven or inadequate lighting. They can be caused by various factors such as harsh sunlight, poor indoor lighting, or even the positioning of your subjects.

Shadows can be particularly frustrating because they can obscure important details, create distractions, and make your videos appear unprofessional. To ensure your videos look their best, it's crucial to learn how to remove these shadows effectively.

Part 4. Quick Navigation: Premiere Pro vs. HitPaw VikPea

Compare Adobe Premiere Pro’s manual workflow with HitPaw VikPea’s AI-powered precision for shadow removal—see how speed, simplicity, and superior results stack up:

Part 5. FAQs of How To Remove Shadow in Video

Bottom Line

Removing shadows from video no longer requires complex manual editing. AI-powered tools like HitPaw VikPea can automatically remove shadows, restore details, and enhance video quality in minutes. Whether you choose professional manual editing or fast AI enhancement, eliminating shadows will instantly improve the clarity and impact of your videos.