EbSynth

What is EbSynth?

EbSynth is VFX software designed to change video content by propagating edits from a small number of user-controlled frames. Instead of recreating effects frame-by-frame, you create keyframes (by painting/marking what should change), and EbSynth synthesizes the result across the timeline.

It’s used for creative transformations such as turning performance into hand-drawn style animation, performing video touch-ups and digital makeup, and doing rotoscopy-style isolation and refinement.

Key Features

• Keyframe-based video propagation: you paint or set keyframes for areas you want to change, and EbSynth generates the corresponding frames across the timeline.
• Paint over videos workflow: start by painting the keyframes to control the look or edits, rather than manually tracking every change.
• Retouch & colorize: supports fast touch-ups, digital makeup, and colorizing workflows.
• Rotocopy-style synthesis via tracks and transparency: you can isolate elements you want to synthesize and leave the rest empty (including keyframes on a transparent background/alpha channel).
• Render options by plan: Free includes core functions with 720p HD export as MP4; Pro adds up to 4K export and PNG sequence output; Studio emphasizes fully offline processing and command-line automation.
• Browser and workflow guidance: the site recommends Chrome for large/high-resolution projects and notes that optical flow from the guiding video affects result quality.

How to Use EbSynth

1. Start with one keyframe for the area you want to change.
2. Create additional keyframes by fixing broken areas in already synthesized frames, choosing timings that show clear content and poses.
3. Align the shapes in your keyframes with the corresponding shapes in the videoframes to reduce artifacts.
4. If edits involve independent motion (e.g., background vs. face vs. eyes), divide the shot into parts and work in separate video tracks; use transparent/alpha keyframes for isolated elements.
5. Use a guiding video with consistent, trackable visuals (soft lighting, reduce shifting shadows, and consider higher frame rates for fast motion).
6. Export your result using the plan’s supported output format (Free: MP4 up to 720p; Pro: up to 4K and PNG sequence output).

Use Cases

• Style transformation from performance: paint keyframes to transform footage into a hand-drawn look, letting the edits propagate through the rest of the clip.
• Quick digital makeup / touch-ups: use EbSynth to correct or enhance specific areas without doing extensive manual tracking.
• Colorization from sparse guidance: define what changes (and where) using keyframes, then let EbSynth fill in the rest across frames.
• Rotoscopy and element isolation: create keyframes with transparent backgrounds/alpha so only selected elements (e.g., eyes or face regions) are synthesized.
• Shot breakdown for independent motion: separate parts of a shot into multiple tracks when timing differs between background and foreground elements.

FAQ

Is EbSynth AI?

The site states that keyframe propagation across the timeline does not use AI; it uses a texture-synthesis algorithm driven by your video and keyframes (not generative models trained on external datasets). There is also an optional feature called “Generate Image” for generating keyframes.

What browser should I use?

EbSynth recommends Chrome, especially for large projects and long or high-resolution videos. It also suggests using a laptop’s dedicated graphics card for optimal performance.

Do you store my projects?

The site says projects stay on your computer. It temporarily uploads your video and keyframes to render, then deletes them once results are sent back. For fully offline processing with no uploads, it recommends the Studio plan.

How can I get best results?

The site recommends starting with a single keyframe, choosing keyframe timing carefully (avoid frames in the middle of movement), and aligning shapes to reduce artifacts. It also suggests splitting shots into independently moving parts and using transparent/alpha tracks for isolated elements.

Can I use EbSynth for free?

Yes. The site offers a Free plan with all core functions and 720p HD video export as MP4, with no time or functional limitations mentioned for the plan.

Alternatives

• Traditional rotoscoping and tracking tools: for workflows that rely on manual tracking and frame-by-frame compositing rather than keyframe-driven synthesis across a timeline.
• General-purpose video editors with masking/trackers: useful when you need common editing features and you prefer conventional masking, but may require more manual work for propagation-style effects.
• Image generation/AI-assisted keyframe tools: if your primary goal is generating keyframes, you may explore generative tools; compared with EbSynth, the workflow may shift from synthesis-by-propagation to fully generative output.
• Offline VFX pipelines with command-line automation: if you need fully offline rendering and scriptable batch workflows, look for offline VFX processing solutions that support automation (similar to EbSynth Studio’s positioning).