(Step-by-Step Tutorial for After Effects & Premiere Pro)

This tutorial shows you how to create a realistic sci-fi hologram effect using Red Giant Universe inside Adobe After Effects. The same method also works in Adobe Premiere Pro.

In this guide, you’ll create:

• A glowing blue hologram look

• Animated scan lines

• Subtle flicker and distortion

• Optional glitch bursts

• A projected light effect

🧩 Step 1: Import & Prepare Your Footage

1. Import your video into After Effects.

2. Drag it into a new composition.

3. Right-click the layer → Pre-compose (recommended for cleaner control).

If your subject has a background:

• Use Keylight (for green screen), or

• Use Roto Brush to isolate the subject.

Removing the background makes the hologram feel like a true projection.

🔵 Step 2: Apply Universe Hologram Effect

Go to:

Effects → Universe → Hologram

Adjust the following settings as a starting point:

• Blend Mode: Add or Screen

• Tint Color: Cyan / Blue

• Line Frequency: 200–400

• Line Thickness: 1–3

• Distortion: 10–25

• Flicker Amount: 10–20

💡 Tip: Higher Line Frequency = tighter scan lines for a high-tech look.

✨ Step 3: Add Glow for Light Emission

Apply:

Effects → Universe → Glow

Recommended settings:

• Glow Radius: 40–80

• Glow Intensity: 0.5–1.5

• Blend Mode: Add

This step is essential — it makes the hologram appear as if it’s emitting light.

⚡ Step 4: Add Glitch Animation (Optional but Recommended)

Apply:

Effects → Universe → Glitch

To make it realistic:

• Keyframe Glitch Amount

• Set it at 0 most of the time

• Add short spikes (15–25) for quick distortion bursts

This simulates projection instability.

💡 Step 5: Create a Floor Projection Light (Advanced Touch)

1. Create a new Solid layer.

2. Draw a circular mask.

3. Feather the mask (150–300px).

4. Change Blend Mode to Add.

5. Lower opacity to 30–50%.

Now it looks like the hologram is projecting from the ground.

🎞 Premiere Pro Version (Quick Workflow)

In Premiere:

1. Apply Universe Hologram to your clip.

2. Adjust Tint, Line Frequency, and Flicker.

3. Add Universe Glow.

4. Nest the clip if stacking multiple effects.

Premiere offers fewer advanced controls, but it’s faster for simple edits.

🎬 Animation Tips for Realism

To make the hologram feel alive:

• Slightly animate Distortion

• Add small random Flicker spikes

• Keyframe Opacity (95% → 100%)

• Add subtle camera shake

Small movements make a big difference.

🚀 Bonus: “Hologram Appearing” Effect

To make the hologram build from bottom to top:

1. Duplicate your layer.

2. Add a mask covering the lower portion.

3. Animate the mask upward.

4. Add Glow + glitch burst during reveal.

This creates a dramatic sci-fi activation effect.