by 
Watch the tutorial
Step 1: Create a color matte
Inside the Project panel, right-click an empty area and choose New Item > Color Matte. Leave the video settings as they are and click OK.
One click with Mako: the free Mako panel adds a color matte over the selected clips, at the playhead, on the first free track, in one click. Get Mako for free
Step 2: Pick the flash color
The Color Picker opens. Choose the color you want for the screen. The video uses a bright green, but red, blue or yellow work just as well. Click OK, then OK again on the name window.
Step 3: Place the matte above your clip and trim it
Drag the color matte onto the track above your video clip. Then trim it down so it is short, because a flash only lasts a moment. Place it where you want the flash to happen.
Step 4: Keyframe the opacity
Select the color matte and open Effect Controls. With the playhead at the start of the matte, click the stopwatch next to Opacity to create a keyframe and set it to 0%.
Next, hold Shift and press the Right Arrow key twice to move forward about 10 frames. Set the Opacity to around 65%. This value controls the intensity of the flash. Move forward about 5 frames and add another keyframe to hold that level. Then move forward about 15 frames and set the opacity back to 0%. The color now fades in quickly, holds for a moment and fades out.
Smoother with EaseFlow: select the opacity keyframes and apply a real easing curve in one click instead of dragging Bezier handles. See EaseFlow
Step 5: Blend the color with your video
Right now the matte covers the picture like a plain sheet. To let the footage show through, select the color matte and change its Blend Mode in Effect Controls. You can click the dropdown, or hover over it and use the scroll wheel to toggle quickly through the modes while you watch the monitor. Pick the one that looks best. Modes like Multiply and Linear Dodge (Add) give very different looks.
Step 6: Change the color or intensity
To switch colors, double-click the color matte in the Project panel and choose a new color in the Color Picker. To make the flash stronger or softer, put the playhead on the two middle keyframes and change their Opacity values.
Tips
- Time it to the beat. Land the peak of the flash on a hit in your music.
- Pair with a transition. A color flash also works nicely on a cut, see our flash transition tutorial.
- Keep it short. Around 30 frames in total already feels like a strong pulse.
FAQ
How do I make a color flash in Premiere Pro?
Create a color matte, place it above your clip, keyframe its opacity from 0% up and back to 0% and change its blend mode.
Which blend mode is best for a color flash?
It depends on your footage. Scroll through the modes and pick the one you like, such as Multiply or Linear Dodge (Add).
How do I change the flash color later?
Double-click the color matte and choose a new color in the Color Picker.
Want ready-made color looks for your edits? Check out our ultimate color presets pack.
