---
title: "Export a transparent video"
description: "Export a WebM that keeps the empty parts of your animation transparent."
canonical: "https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/docs/how-to/export-a-transparent-video/"
last_updated: 2026-10-27
---

# Export a transparent video

Export a WebM that keeps the empty parts of your animation transparent.

Start with your animation open and ffmpeg installed with the `libvpx-vp9` encoder.
Your destination player must support WebM transparency.

1. Click **↓ export** beside the document's name in the rail (the Properties panel in After Effects or Figma). The **EXPORT** panel opens.
2. Click **WebM** under **Video**. The output filename changes to `.webm`.
3. Click **1×**, **2×** or **3×** under **Resolution**. The dimensions update.
4. Click **Background: document** if shown. It changes to **Background: none**.
5. Click **Local drive**. You see the output filename and folder.
6. Click **Change output path…**. The path becomes editable.
7. Type a path ending in `.webm`, then press `↵`. The panel shows the chosen path.
8. Click **Export file**. Wait for the written size and filename in the panel.
9. Open the exported video in your destination player over a coloured background. Check that the empty areas show that colour.

![WebM selected at 1× with Background: none and a local output path.](https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/docs/assets/shots/ship-export-webm.png)

![The WebM export receipt shows the completed file and its size.](https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/docs/assets/shots/ship-webm-receipt.png)

The stage's dots and grey surround are not exported. MP4 always has a solid background.
For a video editor, choose **MOV** instead: it writes ProRes 4444 with transparency.
For frames without ffmpeg, choose **PNG sequence**.

Next: [Export formats](https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/docs/export.md), or [fix an encoder error](https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/docs/troubleshooting.md#ffmpeg-is-installed-but-an-encoder-is-missing).