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How do I open mask properties in After Effects?

Published in Mask Properties 3 mins read

To access mask properties in Adobe After Effects, there are a few simple methods you can use:

Methods to Open Mask Properties

Here's a breakdown of the most common ways to open the mask properties in After Effects:

  • Using Keyboard Shortcuts:

    • First, make sure you have a layer with a mask applied. You can create a mask by using the pen tool (G) and clicking on the layer in the composition window.
    • Pressing 'M' (single press): This will reveal the Mask Path property of the selected mask.
    • Pressing 'MM' (double press): This opens all mask properties including Mask Path, Mask Feather, Mask Opacity, and Mask Expansion for a selected mask.
    • Pressing Alt/Option + M: This will set a keyframe for the mask path and open the mask property. This method is especially useful when you want to animate the mask's shape over time.

  • Manually Expanding Layers:

    • Select the layer that has the mask applied.
    • In the Timeline panel, click the small arrow next to the layer name to expand the layer's properties.
    • You'll see the "Masks" property; click the arrow to expand the list of masks.
    • Each mask will have its own set of properties, such as Mask Path, Feather, Opacity, and Expansion, which can be modified.

Practical Example

Let's say you want to animate a mask's position and shape:

  1. Add a layer to your composition (e.g., a solid or footage).
  2. Select the Pen Tool (G).
  3. Draw a mask on your layer in the Composition window.
  4. Move the playhead to the beginning of your desired animation timeframe.
  5. Press Alt/Option + M to set a keyframe for the initial mask shape. This will also open the mask properties.
  6. Move the playhead to a different point in time.
  7. Adjust the mask shape directly in the Composition window or by editing the Mask Path property. After Effects will automatically create a new keyframe for the new mask shape.
  8. Pressing MM will expand all the available mask properties, allowing you to fine-tune the feather, opacity, and expansion of the mask, if needed.

Summary of Key Information

Action Result
Press 'M' Reveals Mask Path property.
Press 'MM' Reveals all mask properties.
Alt/Option + M Sets a keyframe for the mask path and opens mask property.
Expand layer in Timeline Allows access to mask properties via the layer's hierarchy.

By using these shortcuts, you will quickly access and control your mask's properties, thus enhancing your overall workflow in Adobe After Effects.

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