Adding Light Leaks to Your Videos: A Quick and Easy Tutorial

Updated at: 08/07/2025

Want to add a touch of vintage charm or dreamy atmosphere to your videos? Light leaks are the perfect solution! This quick and easy tutorial shows you how to effortlessly incorporate authentic-looking light leaks into your projects, using readily available resources and simple techniques. No special software or skills are needed – let's get started and add some cinematic magic to your footage!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Select Light Leaks

    • Select the 'filters' tab.
    • Select 'light leaks' from the side list.
    Select 'light leaks' from the side list. Select 'light leaks' from the side list.
    Select Light Leaks

  2. Apply Light Leak

    • Drag and drop a light leak onto your footage.
    Drag and drop a light leak onto your footage.
    Apply Light Leak

  3. Preview and Adjust

    • Preview your video to check the effect.
    • Undo using Ctrl+Z if you don't like the result.
    Undo using Ctrl+Z if you don't like the result. Undo using Ctrl+Z if you don't like the result.
    Preview and Adjust

  4. Add More Leaks

    • Add multiple light leaks if desired.
    Add multiple light leaks if desired.
    Add More Leaks

  5. Fine-tune Intensity

    • Adjust the intensity using the star icon in the top left corner of the clip and the slider under 'applied effects'.
    Adjust the intensity using the star icon in the top left corner of the clip and the slider under 'applied effects'.
    Fine-tune Intensity
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Tips

  • Use Ctrl+Z to undo adding a light leak.
  • Experiment with multiple light leaks on the same clip.
  • Adjust the intensity of the light leak for desired effect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overdoing the Light Leaks

Reason: Too many light leaks or overly bright leaks can distract from the main subject of the video and look unprofessional.
Solution: Reduce the opacity or number of light leak overlays to maintain a balance between aesthetic and clarity.

2. Poorly Blended Light Leaks

Reason: Light leaks that don't blend seamlessly with the video's overall color grading and lighting can appear jarring and artificial.
Solution: Adjust the blending mode and opacity of the light leak layer to achieve a natural and integrated look.

FAQs

What are light leaks?
Light leaks are imperfections in film photography where light enters the camera in unintended ways, creating unique and often beautiful effects in the footage. Digitally, we recreate this look to achieve a similar aesthetic.
What software do I need to add light leaks to my videos?
Many video editing programs work, including free options like DaVinci Resolve and HitFilm Express. Even simpler programs can work if you use pre-made light leak overlays.
Where can I find light leak overlays?
You can find free and paid light leak overlays on websites like YouTube, Videohive (Envato Elements), and various stock footage sites. Search for "light leak overlays" to find many options.