To change the position of a mask in Premiere Pro, you need to use the Effect Controls panel.
Here's how you can do it:
- Locate the Effect Controls Panel: Make sure the clip with the mask is selected in your timeline. Then, go to the "Effect Controls" panel (usually located at the top left of your screen).
- Find the Mask Layer: Within the Effect Controls, look for the effect where your mask is applied (usually this will be under "Opacity" if it's an opacity mask or under the name of the effect if it's a different effect that uses masking). You should see a layer that represents the mask itself - this is important, select the mask layer.
- Adjust Position: With the mask layer selected, look for the "Position" controls, usually labeled "Position" and showing X and Y coordinates. You can adjust the mask's position in two primary ways:
- Direct Manipulation: Click and drag in the program monitor to adjust the mask visually. Be sure you have a selection tool selected in the tool panel, and that the selection tool is active for the effect controls panel, and not the main display.
- Numerical Input: Use the X and Y fields within the "Position" properties to enter precise values. This method allows for fine-tuned adjustments. You can click and drag on the numbers or highlight them to type new values into the field.
Summary of Steps
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Select Clip | Select the clip that contains your mask in the timeline |
| 2 | Open Effect Controls | Open the "Effect Controls" panel |
| 3 | Select the Mask | Select the mask layer within the specific effect settings. The mask layer is the layer that shows a bounding box around the mask in the program monitor |
| 4 | Adjust Position | Use the "Position" properties (X and Y values) within the effect controls to fine-tune the mask position by numerical values, or drag in the monitor to position visually. |
By using the Effect Controls panel and selecting the mask layer, you can move the mask in Premiere Pro with more precision compared to other methods that may utilize the hand tool for direct manipulation. This method also makes it easier to make numerical changes which may be more difficult with a mouse or trackpad.
