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videobeaux/docs/programs/effects/ghostee.md
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# ghostee
## Description
Applies a soft, subtle ghosting effect to the video by blending frames over time.
This creates a trailing, dreamy afterimage that lightly smears motion and adds a supernatural or ethereal visual mood.
## Purpose
`ghostee` is designed for artists who want:
- a gentle afterimage effect instead of heavy motion smearing,
- soft motion trails without strong distortion,
- a dreamy, floating, or spectral visual tone,
- an atmospheric layer for music videos and ambient visuals,
- a minimal, elegant ghost effect that doesnt overwhelm the footage.
## How It Works
1. **Frame Blending**
Consecutive frames are blended with diminishing influence, producing a light optical-ghost effect.
2. **Subtle Persistence**
Motion appears to leave a soft residue rather than a strong smear or echo.
3. **Minimal Contrast Disruption**
Highlights, shadows, and midtones maintain structure—only motion is affected.
4. **Encoding**
Output uses global Videobeaux codec settings (CRF, pixel format, preset).
## Program Template
videobeaux -P ghostee \
-i input.mp4 \
-o output.mp4
## Arguments
- *(No additional program-specific arguments; uses global videobeaux options only.)*
## Real World Example
videobeaux -P ghostee \
-i myvideo.mp4 \
-o ghostee_styled.mp4
## Program Output
<video controls preload="metadata" style="max-width:100%; border-radius:8px; margin:1em 0;">
<source src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/87c8b569-5165-485d-ae09-7a8bbbe74051" type="video/mp4">
Your browser does not support the video tag.
</video>
## Technical Notes
- Produces mild persistence, unlike `frame_delay_pro1` or `frame_delay_pro2`, which provide more extreme temporal manipulation.
- Works especially well on slow-motion or atmospheric footage.
- Compression settings influence ghost smoothness—higher CRF may increase noise within the trail.
- High-motion shots will produce noticeable yet still delicate ghost trails.
## Recommended Usage
- Dreamlike music videos or ambient visualizers.
- Supernatural, memory-like, or nostalgic sequences.
- Layered VJ and projection-mapped installations.
- Subtle aesthetic enhancement for drone shots or slow pans.
- Mixing into a visual chain with stronger distortions for hybrid textures.
## Quality Tips
- For smoother trails, lower CRF to reduce compression breakup.
- Combine with `double_cup` for syrupy dream visuals.
- Pair with `blur_pix` to soften structure while keeping ghost trails intact.
- For more pronounced trails, run `ghostee` multiple times or chain with `frame_delay_pro1`.
- Use on well-lit footage for cleanest ghost silhouettes.