Supers and Keys

While there are an almost unlimited number of visual effects that can be inserted in a television program, A few standard effects are much more common than the rest. We'll discuss three: super, key, and chroma key.

THE SUPER:

Short for "superimpose," a "super" is when viewers see one image on top of another. For example, it is common to see an interview subject's name appear on screen (via a super) when they talk.

THE KEY:

While a "key" is technically different from a super, for all intents and purposes, it's really the same thing. "Key" and "Super" are used interchangeably at many facilities.

A simple super you'd see 100 times a night on the news--or in primetime to mention an upcoming program. At some facilities, this would be called a "key."