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Watch the tutorial
Step 1: Select the Ellipse Tool
Put your footage on the timeline. In the toolbar, click and hold the Rectangle Tool (the shape tool) and choose Ellipse Tool from the list that pops up.
Step 2: Draw a perfect circle
Click and drag in the Program Monitor over the object you want to circle. Hold Shift while you drag to lock the shape into a perfect circle instead of an oval. A new graphic clip appears on the track above your footage.
Step 3: Turn the circle into an outline
Select the shape clip and open Effect Controls. Expand the shape settings and then Appearance:
- Untick Fill to remove the grey inside of the circle.
- Tick Stroke and click its color swatch. Pick a color that stands out against your footage (red in the video) and click OK.
- Raise the stroke width until the ring is as thick as you like. In the video it is set fairly high, then made smaller with the scale in the next step.
Step 4: Scale and position the circle
Under Transform in the same shape settings, lower the Scale and change the Position until the ring sits neatly around your subject. Scaling the shape down also makes the stroke thinner, so you can fine tune both together. You can also drag the circle directly in the Program Monitor.
Step 5: Add a Clock Wipe
Open the Effects panel and search for Clock Wipe. You will find it under Video Transitions > Wipe. Drag it onto the start of the shape clip. The circle now draws itself around the subject like a clock hand sweeping around.
Step 6: Adjust the duration and preview
Drag the edge of the transition on the timeline to make the circle draw faster or slower. Press the spacebar to play it back. If you like, move the circle clip to the point in your video where the subject first appears, so the ring draws in right on time.
Tips
- Follow a moving subject. If the object moves, keyframe the circle's Position so the ring stays on it.
- Try other colors. Yellow, white or neon green can read better than red on busy footage.
- Add an end transition. Put a second Clock Wipe at the end of the clip so the circle also draws out.
FAQ
How do you draw a circle in Premiere Pro?
Choose the Ellipse Tool from the toolbar and drag in the Program Monitor while holding Shift for a perfect circle.
How do I remove the fill from a shape in Premiere Pro?
Select the shape, open Effect Controls, expand Appearance and untick Fill. Then tick Stroke to keep only the outline.
Can I animate the circle drawing itself?
Yes. Apply the Clock Wipe transition to the start of the shape clip, or keyframe the shape's properties for other styles of reveal.
Want more finished looks for your videos? Take a look at the Ultimate Premiere Pro Presets.
