Interpret video footage

Last updated on Oct 10, 2026

Learn how to interpret video footage by configuring alpha channel, frame rate, and color profile settings in Photoshop.

Video files imported from various applications can use different transparency methods and playback settings. Adjusting interpretation settings ensures that imported footage displays correctly and plays back as intended while leaving the source file unchanged.

Before you begin

Ensure that:

  • A Photoshop document containing at least one video layer is open.
  • The video layer you want to modify is available in the Timeline or Layers panel.

Configure interpretation settings

In the Timeline or Layers panel, select the video layer.

Select Layer > Video Layers > Interpret Footage.

Under Alpha, choose one of the following options:

  • Ignore to discard the alpha channel.
  • Straight-Unmatted for footage that uses straight alpha transparency.
  • Premultiplied-Matte for footage that uses premultiplied alpha.

If you selected Premultiplied-Matte, select the color swatch and choose the matte color used during premultiplication.

Enter a value for Frame Rate to control playback speed.

Select a Color Profile to apply color management to the video frames.

Select OK. 

Photoshop updates the interpretation settings for the selected video layer. The original video file is not modified.

Understanding alpha channel options

The alpha option you choose depends on how the source application created the video file.

  • Use Straight-Unmatted if the source application stores transparency separately from the color information.
  • Use Premultiplied-Matte if the source application combines transparency with a background color. If transparent edges appear with black or colored halos, selecting this option and specifying the correct matte color usually resolves the issue.
  • Use Ignore if you want Photoshop to treat all pixels as fully opaque and discard transparency information.

Understand frame rate settings

Changing the frame rate affects only how the video plays back in Photoshop. It does not modify the original video file. Lower frame rates create a stop-motion appearance, while higher frame rates produce smoother playback. Common frame rates include:

Frame rate

Common use

24 fps

Film

25 fps

PAL video

30 fps

NTSC video