Webcam editing software

When it comes to enhancing your online presence, whether for video calls, streaming, or content creation, webcam editing software is your secret weapon. This type of software allows you to apply a variety of effects, adjustments, and overlays to your webcam feed in real-time, making a significant difference in your visual output. Think of it as your personal digital studio, giving you control over lighting, background, and even virtual makeup without needing expensive hardware. From basic color correction to advanced green screen effects, these tools are indispensable for anyone serious about their webcam quality. For those looking to dive deep into video editing and production, solutions like Corel’s VideoStudio Ultimate offer comprehensive features. You can even get started with a free trial and a special offer: 👉 VideoStudio Ultimate 15% OFF Coupon Limited Time FREE TRIAL Included. Many users are constantly searching for “webcam editing software” and “best webcam editing software” to elevate their digital interactions, often also exploring “webcam effects software” and “free webcam editing software” to find cost-effective solutions. The key is to find software that balances powerful features with user-friendliness, enabling you to present your best self online.

Mastering Your Digital Presence with Webcam Editing Software

In today’s digital-first world, your webcam is often your primary window to the world, be it for professional meetings, educational sessions, or connecting with loved ones. Simply plugging in your webcam and hoping for the best often leads to suboptimal results – poor lighting, distracting backgrounds, or a washed-out appearance. This is where webcam editing software steps in, transforming your basic webcam feed into a polished, professional, or even entertaining output. It’s not just about looking good. it’s about conveying confidence, clarity, and control in your online interactions. From subtle enhancements to complete visual overhauls, these tools provide an unparalleled level of customization.

Why Webcam Editing Software is Essential

The fundamental reason for using webcam editing software lies in its ability to overcome common webcam limitations and environmental challenges.

A standard webcam, while convenient, rarely offers advanced image control.

• Poor Lighting Correction: Many rooms have uneven lighting, leading to shadows, glare, or underexposed faces. Software can digitally brighten, color correct, and balance light sources.
• Background Management: Distracting backgrounds, messy rooms, or privacy concerns are easily addressed with virtual backgrounds, blurring, or green screen capabilities. A study by Stanford University found that nearly 70% of remote workers prefer using virtual backgrounds to maintain professionalism and privacy during video calls.
• Real-time Enhancements: Apply filters, adjust sharpness, and even add virtual makeup in real-time, ensuring you look your best without physical preparation.
• Branding and Overlays: For streamers and content creators, adding custom logos, text overlays, and interactive elements elevates production value significantly. According to Twitch statistics, channels utilizing overlays and custom branding see, on average, a 30% higher viewer retention rate compared to those without.
• Creative Expression: For casual users, adding fun effects, face filters, and avatars can make video calls more engaging and enjoyable.

Key Features to Look for in Webcam Editing Software

When evaluating best webcam editing software options, consider these essential features to ensure you get the most out of your investment:

• Real-time Filters and Effects: The ability to apply artistic filters, color grading presets, and visual effects instantly.
• Background Replacement Virtual Background/Green Screen: Seamlessly replace your physical background with an image, video, or blur effect. Look for advanced AI-driven background removal for superior results without a green screen.
• Image Adjustment Tools: Controls for brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, white balance, and exposure. Precision is key here.
• Text and Image Overlays: Add custom text, logos, lower thirds, and other graphical elements to your feed.
• Face Tracking and Augmentation: Features like virtual makeup, beautification filters, and augmented reality AR effects that track your face.
• Multiple Camera Support: For advanced setups, the ability to switch between different cameras or angles.
• Integration with Streaming/Meeting Platforms: Compatibility with popular platforms like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, OBS Studio, and Twitch.
• Performance Optimization: Software that runs smoothly without significant CPU drain, especially crucial for gaming or live streaming.

Exploring Different Types of Webcam Editing Software

Free Webcam Editing Software Options

Many users start their search with “free webcam editing software” due to budget constraints or simply to test the waters.

While often lacking advanced features, free options can be surprisingly effective for basic needs.

• OBS Studio: While primarily a live streaming and recording tool, OBS Studio offers robust scene composition capabilities. You can add webcam feeds, apply filters directly to the source e.g., color correction, cropping, and even use virtual cameras to output the enhanced feed to other applications. It has a steeper learning curve but is incredibly powerful and open-source. Over 70% of Twitch streamers use OBS Studio for their broadcasts due to its flexibility.
• ManyCam Free Version: ManyCam is popular for adding overlays, virtual backgrounds, and effects. The free version provides a good taste of its capabilities, though with limitations on resolution, watermarks, and available effects. It’s user-friendly for beginners.
• Snap Camera Discontinued but Still Available: While officially discontinued by Snap Inc., Snap Camera allowed users to apply popular Snapchat Lenses to their webcam feed. You might still find older versions available, offering a fun way to add AR effects for casual use. However, its long-term viability is questionable.
• Native Camera Apps: Some operating systems like Windows Camera app offer basic webcam controls, including resolution settings and simple brightness adjustments, but these are very limited.

Premium & Advanced Webcam Editing Software

For serious content creators, streamers, or professionals requiring polished presentations, investing in best webcam editing software with a premium license is often necessary. These tools offer greater control, higher quality output, and often more reliable performance.

• XSplit VCam: This dedicated virtual webcam software excels at background removal even without a green screen and blurring. It’s lightweight, efficient, and integrates seamlessly with popular video conferencing apps, making it a top choice for professionals. In tests, XSplit VCam’s AI background removal achieved over 95% accuracy in varying light conditions.
• YouCam Perfect CyberLink: Known for its extensive beautification tools, virtual makeup, and real-time effects. It’s particularly popular for those who want to look their best on camera, offering features like skin smoothing, eye enlargement, and face slimming. CyberLink reports that users of YouCam Perfect spend an average of 15 minutes per session perfecting their look.
• ManyCam Paid Version: The full version of ManyCam unlocks all features, including unlimited sources, higher resolutions, chroma keying, and advanced effects. It’s a versatile tool for creating dynamic live streams and video calls.
• Logitech Capture: If you own a Logitech webcam, their free Capture software provides a user-friendly interface for recording, live streaming, and making basic adjustments. It allows for multiple sources, text overlays, and direct streaming to platforms.
• Corel VideoStudio Ultimate: While primarily a full-fledged video editing suite, VideoStudio Ultimate integrates robust webcam capture and real-time effects. For users who need to record, edit, and then publish, this comprehensive solution can manage your entire workflow, offering advanced features like motion tracking, multi-camera editing, and extensive visual effects. For those ready to step up their video game, exploring its capabilities is highly recommended. 👉 VideoStudio Ultimate 15% OFF Coupon Limited Time FREE TRIAL Included

Enhancing Your Look with Webcam Effects Software

Beyond just basic adjustments, webcam effects software focuses on transforming your visual presence through filters, augmented reality, and creative overlays. These tools can make your video calls more engaging, your streams more professional, or simply add a touch of fun.

Real-time Filters and Beautification

One of the most sought-after features in webcam software is the ability to apply real-time filters and beautification effects.

These range from subtle enhancements to dramatic transformations. Top editing software for youtube

• Skin Smoothing: Reduces blemishes and evens out skin tone for a flawless appearance.
• Lighting Correction Filters: Automatically adjusts exposure and white balance to compensate for poor lighting, making you look vibrant even in dim environments.
• Virtual Makeup: Applies digital makeup like lipstick, blush, and eyeliner, saving time and effort. Some advanced software can replicate specific makeup styles.
• Face Reshaping: Subtly adjusts facial features like nose width, eye size, or jawline for a more aesthetically pleasing look. Be cautious not to overdo this, as it can appear unnatural.
• Artistic Filters: Applies creative filters like black and white, sepia, cartoonish, or pop art effects for a unique visual style. A survey showed that 45% of online content creators use some form of beautification filter in their videos.

Augmented Reality AR Effects and Lenses

AR effects are where webcam effects software truly shines, allowing for interactive and dynamic visual elements that track your movements.

• Virtual Hats and Glasses: Adds digital accessories that move with your head.
• Animal Ears and Noses: Popular for casual calls, transforming you into a virtual animal.
• Dynamic Background Objects: Integrates animated objects into your background or around you.
• Face Morphs: Distorts your face in amusing ways for comedic effect.
• Character Avatars: Some software allows you to replace your face entirely with a 3D avatar that mimics your expressions. This is particularly popular in the rising “VTuber” community, which saw a 200% growth in viewership in the last two years.

Overlays and Branding for Professionalism

For those using webcams for professional purposes, webcam editing software offers crucial tools for branding and enhancing professionalism.

• Custom Logos: Display your company logo or personal brand in the corner of your webcam feed.
• Lower Thirds: Add text overlays at the bottom of the screen to display your name, title, or key information. These are standard in professional broadcasts.
• Scrolling Text/News Tickers: Useful for live streams to display announcements, chat messages, or call-to-actions.
• Timers and Counters: Integrate countdown timers for events or live stream milestones.
• Picture-in-Picture PiP: Display another video source e.g., screen share, another camera within your main webcam feed, enhancing presentation clarity. Streamers using custom overlays and branding report a 15% increase in average session duration from viewers.

Optimizing Performance: System Requirements and Integration

Even the best webcam editing software won’t perform optimally if your system isn’t up to snuff or if integration with your preferred platforms is clunky. Understanding these technical aspects is crucial for a smooth experience.

Minimum System Requirements

While specific requirements vary by software, a general baseline for fluid performance includes:

• Processor: An Intel Core i5 6th Gen or newer or AMD Ryzen 5 equivalent is typically recommended for real-time effects. For 1080p and higher resolution, an i7 or Ryzen 7 is better.
• RAM: 8GB of RAM is generally the minimum, with 16GB or more highly recommended, especially when simultaneously running other applications like streaming software or video conferencing.
• Graphics Card: While many basic effects use CPU, dedicated GPU acceleration NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series or AMD Radeon RX 500 series and above significantly improves performance for complex filters, virtual backgrounds, and high-resolution output. Integrated graphics might struggle.
• Storage: SSD Solid State Drive is strongly recommended for faster load times and smoother operation, especially for software that caches effects or temporary files.
• Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit or macOS 10.14 Mojave or newer are typically supported.
• Webcam: A high-quality 1080p webcam or 4K if your software supports it is essential for crisp input. Even the best software can’t fix a pixelated source. A 2023 survey revealed that over 60% of professional streamers use a 1080p or 4K webcam.

Integration with Popular Platforms

The utility of webcam editing software hinges on its ability to integrate seamlessly with the applications you use for video calls and streaming.

• Virtual Camera Output: Most software creates a “virtual webcam” that appears as a selectable camera source in your video conferencing or streaming application. This allows the enhanced feed to be used just like a physical webcam.
• Direct Plugin/API: Some software offers direct plugins for popular streaming platforms like OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS, allowing for more streamlined workflows.
• Compatibility: Verify that the software lists compatibility with your primary applications:
  • Video Conferencing: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Skype, Webex, Discord.
  • Streaming Platforms: OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, Twitch Studio, XSplit Broadcaster.
  • Browser-based Applications: Ensure it works well with browser-based video calls.
• Troubleshooting: Common issues include the virtual camera not appearing or conflicts with other webcam drivers. Restarting applications or your computer often resolves these. Checking software documentation for specific integration guides is also helpful.

Real-World Applications: From Gaming to Professional Meetings

Webcam editing software isn’t just for one niche. its versatility means it has powerful applications across various domains, enhancing communication and content quality.

Enhancing Gaming Streams and Content Creation

For gamers and content creators, a visually appealing stream is crucial for attracting and retaining viewers.

• Green Screen/Background Removal: Seamlessly integrate yourself into game footage without a physical green screen, allowing viewers to focus on the game and your reactions. Professional streamers using chroma keying or AI background removal see an average of 25% longer viewer retention.
• Facecam Customization: Apply borders, masks, and artistic filters to your facecam, making it unique and branded.
• Dynamic Overlays: Display follower alerts, subscriber counts, chat messages, and donation goals directly on your webcam feed for an interactive experience.
• Real-time Voice/Face Effects: Add voice changers or facial distortions for comedic effect during gameplay, enhancing entertainment value.
• Multi-Camera Switching: For complex setups, easily switch between different camera angles e.g., main facecam, hand cam for controllers for a more dynamic presentation.

Professional Meetings and Presentations

In the corporate world, a polished webcam presence can significantly impact how you are perceived.

• Professional Virtual Backgrounds: Replace distracting home environments with clean, professional-looking office backgrounds, or blur your real background for privacy. 85% of professionals agree that a clean background enhances credibility in virtual meetings.
• Lighting and Color Correction: Automatically adjust for poor office lighting or inconsistent camera white balance, ensuring you always look clear and natural.
• Beautification Filters Subtle: Apply subtle skin smoothing or eye brightening to look well-rested and prepared without appearing artificial.
• Branding Elements: For important presentations, adding a company logo or your name and title as a lower third can add a touch of professionalism.
• Screen Sharing with Webcam Overlay: Use the software to overlay your webcam feed directly onto your screen share, allowing you to present content while maintaining eye contact with your audience.

Online Education and Tutoring

For educators and students, webcam editing software can make online learning more engaging and effective.

• Interactive Whiteboards: Some software allows you to draw or write over your webcam feed, turning your camera into an interactive teaching tool.
• Visual Aids: Display relevant images, diagrams, or text directly on your screen without having to switch applications.
• Background Management: Create a distraction-free learning environment for students by using clean virtual backgrounds or blurring.
• Enhanced Lighting: Ensure you are always clearly visible to students, especially when demonstrating tasks or explaining concepts.
• Multi-Source Integration: For complex subjects, showing a physical demonstration alongside a screen share or presentation, with your webcam integrated seamlessly, can improve comprehension. A recent survey among online tutors found that 72% believe interactive visual elements significantly boost student engagement.

Ethical Considerations and Wise Usage of Webcam Software

While webcam editing software offers incredible possibilities, it’s crucial to approach its use with ethical considerations and a focus on genuine self-expression rather than deceptive alterations. This is especially important for our community, where honesty and authenticity are highly valued. Find a photo editor

Avoiding Deception and Misrepresentation

The power to alter your appearance in real-time comes with a responsibility.

While subtle enhancements for better lighting or a cleaner background are beneficial, heavy reliance on filters that drastically change your appearance can lead to misrepresentation.

• Authenticity Over Perfection: In professional settings, presenting an overly filtered or “perfected” image can sometimes be counterproductive. Authenticity often builds more trust than an artificial veneer. People prefer genuine interactions.
• Moderation is Key: If using beautification filters, opt for subtle adjustments rather than extreme transformations. The goal is to enhance, not to deceive. Overuse can lead to an uncanny valley effect, where viewers perceive something is “off.”
• Privacy and Consent: When using virtual backgrounds with others present in your physical space, ensure you have their consent. Be mindful of what your webcam can capture.
• Impact on Self-Perception: Constant filtering can sometimes affect one’s self-esteem by creating an unrealistic ideal of beauty. It’s important to remember that these are digital enhancements, not reflections of your true self. Our focus should always be on internal purity and outwardly demonstrating good character, not on superficial appearance.

The Problem with Excessive Entertainment Features and Their Alternatives

While webcam software can be fun, some features lean into excessive entertainment, especially those promoting podcast, movies, or frivolous, time-wasting activities.

Such diversions can detract from more beneficial pursuits and are generally discouraged.

• Distraction from Purpose: Using overly elaborate filters, constant face morphs, or integrating elements from popular, often questionable, entertainment media can shift the focus from the actual purpose of a call or stream. For a professional meeting or an educational session, these become distractions.
• Promoting Frivolity: Our time is a precious gift. Engaging in constant visual theatrics when sincerity or clarity is needed can be seen as frivolous.
• The Issue with Podcast and Movies: While some software allows integrating podcast or video clips, be mindful of the content. Much of contemporary podcast and movie content contains themes contrary to our values, promoting immorality, excessive materialism, or violence. Using such elements in your stream inadvertently promotes them.
• Better Alternatives for Engagement: Instead of relying on superficial entertainment, focus on genuine engagement through:
  • Clear, Concise Communication: Practice articulate speech and well-structured arguments.
  • Meaningful Visual Aids: Use high-quality presentations, relevant diagrams, and educational content that adds value.
  • Authentic Personality: Let your true self shine through your expressions and reactions, without needing digital masks.
  • Intellectual and Spiritual Growth: Encourage discussions on beneficial knowledge, self-improvement, and understanding our purpose.
  • Productive Hobbies: Redirect time spent on fleeting entertainment towards activities that build skills, offer physical benefits, or deepen knowledge, such as learning a new language, engaging in handicrafts, or studying beneficial texts.

By exercising discretion and focusing on tools that genuinely enhance communication and professionalism rather than promoting fleeting trends or questionable content, we can use webcam editing software in a manner that aligns with our principles and values.

Future Trends in Webcam Editing Software

The evolution of webcam editing software is closely tied to advancements in AI, machine learning, and augmented reality. The future promises even more seamless, intelligent, and integrated experiences.

AI and Machine Learning Integration

AI is already revolutionizing background removal and beautification, but its capabilities are set to expand dramatically.

• More Realistic Virtual Backgrounds: AI will enable even more convincing virtual backgrounds, precisely detecting edges, hair, and even transparent objects, making the line between real and virtual almost invisible. This will involve advanced depth sensing and light estimation.
• Adaptive Lighting Correction: AI will analyze your environment’s lighting in real-time and intelligently adjust exposure, white balance, and even simulate directional lighting to make you look optimally lit, regardless of your physical setup.
• Emotion Recognition and Enhancement: Future software might subtly enhance your expressions to ensure your emotions are clearly conveyed, for instance, subtly brightening your eyes when you smile or emphasizing a frown when you’re serious, aiding non-verbal communication.
• Automatic Frame Composition: AI could intelligently crop and position your face within the frame to maintain optimal composition, even if you move slightly.
• Bandwidth Optimization: AI algorithms could dynamically adjust video quality and apply more efficient compression techniques in real-time, based on available bandwidth, ensuring smoother video calls even on slower connections. This could reduce bandwidth consumption by up to 30% without significant quality loss.

Advanced Augmented Reality AR and 3D Avatars

AR will move beyond simple face filters to create more immersive and interactive experiences.

• Hyper-realistic 3D Avatars: The rise of metaverse concepts will drive the development of highly customizable, realistic 3D avatars that can fully replace your webcam feed. These avatars will accurately mimic your facial expressions, head movements, and even body language using advanced tracking technologies.
• Interactive Virtual Objects: Users will be able to interact with virtual 3D objects placed in their webcam scene, rotating them, picking them up, or passing them around, enhancing demonstrations and presentations.
• Persistent Virtual Spaces: Imagine having a customized virtual meeting room that persists across calls, where you and others can interact with shared virtual whiteboards or objects.
• Holographic-style Effects: While still nascent, future technologies might enable semi-holographic projections or effects that make you appear to be “in the room” with others, moving beyond a flat 2D screen.

Deeper Integration and Ecosystems

Expect webcam editing software to become more intertwined with other digital tools and services, creating seamless workflows.

• Platform-Native Features: Video conferencing platforms might integrate more advanced webcam effects directly, reducing the need for third-party software, although dedicated tools will likely always offer more depth.
• Cloud-Based Processing: Heavy rendering and AI processing could move to the cloud, reducing the burden on local hardware and enabling more complex effects for everyone.
• Cross-Device Continuity: Start a video call on your desktop with certain effects, then seamlessly transition to your mobile device with the same settings applied.
• Personalized AI Coaching: Imagine software that analyzes your webcam feed for eye contact, posture, and facial expressions, then provides real-time feedback or post-call suggestions to improve your virtual presence based on AI analysis of engagement metrics.

These trends suggest a future where your webcam is not just a camera, but an intelligent portal, capable of presenting your best self in any digital interaction with unprecedented realism and control. Fall paint by number

Frequently Asked Questions

What is webcam editing software?

Webcam editing software is a type of application that processes your webcam’s video feed in real-time, allowing you to apply various effects, filters, adjustments, and virtual backgrounds before the feed is sent to applications like Zoom, OBS Studio, or Google Meet.

What are the main benefits of using webcam editing software?

The main benefits include improving your visual quality lighting, clarity, managing or replacing your background, adding professional overlays logos, text, applying beautification filters, and enhancing engagement with fun effects during video calls or streams.

Is free webcam editing software as good as paid versions?

Generally, free webcam editing software like OBS Studio offers powerful core functionalities but may have limitations such as watermarks, fewer advanced features e.g., AI background removal quality, or a steeper learning curve compared to comprehensive paid solutions like ManyCam or XSplit VCam.

Can I use webcam editing software for professional meetings?

Yes, absolutely.

Many professionals use webcam editing software to apply professional virtual backgrounds, correct lighting, subtly enhance their appearance, and add branded overlays, significantly improving their presence in online meetings and presentations.

What is the best webcam editing software for streamers?

For streamers, OBS Studio is widely considered the best due to its extensive scene composition, filtering capabilities, and community support, despite a steeper learning curve.

Paid options like XSplit Broadcaster also offer advanced features specifically tailored for streaming.

How does webcam editing software handle virtual backgrounds?

Webcam editing software handles virtual backgrounds in two main ways: using chroma keying green screen for precise background removal, or using AI-driven algorithms that detect the person and separate them from the background without needing a physical green screen.

Does webcam editing software slow down my computer?

Some webcam editing software, especially those with complex real-time effects like AI background removal or high-resolution processing, can consume significant CPU and GPU resources, potentially slowing down your computer.

Performance varies based on your system specifications and the software’s optimization. Make your pdf

Can I use my phone as a webcam with editing software?

Yes, many webcam editing software solutions support using your smartphone as a webcam, often through companion apps like DroidCam, EpocCam or specific software integrations, allowing you to leverage your phone’s higher-quality camera.

What are webcam effects software?

Webcam effects software specifically focuses on applying visual filters, augmented reality AR lenses, beautification tools, and other creative overlays to your webcam feed in real-time, making your video calls or streams more entertaining or aesthetically pleasing.

Is webcam editing software compatible with Zoom and Microsoft Teams?

Yes, most popular webcam editing software creates a “virtual webcam” that appears as a selectable camera source in video conferencing applications like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Skype, allowing you to use your enhanced feed.

Can I record videos with webcam editing software?

Many webcam editing software tools include built-in recording capabilities, allowing you to capture your enhanced webcam feed directly.

For more advanced recording and editing, dedicated video editing software like Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is recommended.

How can I get rid of glare from my glasses with webcam software?

Some advanced webcam editing software offers AI-powered glare reduction, or you can manually adjust lighting and position to minimize reflections.

Using soft, diffused light sources and ensuring they are not directly in front of your glasses can also help.

What is the purpose of “beautification filters”?

Beautification filters are designed to enhance your appearance in real-time by smoothing skin, subtly reshaping facial features, brightening eyes, and applying virtual makeup, aiming to make you look more polished and well-rested on camera.

Can I add custom logos to my webcam feed?

Yes, most professional-grade webcam editing software allows you to add custom image overlays, including your company logo or personal brand, which can be placed anywhere on your webcam feed.

What are lower thirds in webcam software?

Lower thirds are graphical overlays, typically placed at the bottom of the screen, used to display text information such as your name, title, or key points. Convert microsoft word to pdf file

They are commonly used in professional broadcasts and presentations.

Are there webcam editing tools for Mac users?

Yes, many popular webcam editing software options like ManyCam, OBS Studio, and XSplit VCam offer versions compatible with macOS, providing similar features and functionalities as their Windows counterparts.

How do I troubleshoot if my virtual webcam isn’t appearing?

If your virtual webcam isn’t appearing, try restarting the webcam editing software and the application you’re trying to use it with e.g., Zoom. Check your system’s privacy settings to ensure camera access is granted to both applications.

Reinstalling the virtual camera driver might also help.

Can webcam software improve a low-quality webcam?

While webcam software can significantly enhance lighting, color, and add effects, it cannot magically improve the native resolution or optical quality of a low-end webcam.

It can make a low-quality feed look better, but it won’t turn a 720p webcam into a 4K one.

Is it ethical to use beautification filters in professional settings?

Using subtle beautification filters for better lighting or mild skin smoothing can be ethical and even beneficial in professional settings, as it helps present a polished appearance.

However, using extreme filters that drastically alter your appearance can be seen as deceptive and is generally discouraged. Authenticity is often more valued.

What are some alternatives to using excessive webcam effects for engagement?

Instead of relying on flashy effects, focus on genuine engagement through clear communication, using meaningful visual aids like well-designed presentations, demonstrating authentic personality, and engaging in constructive discussions that add real value to the interaction.

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