Masking a frame in Adobe After Effects is a straightforward process that allows you to selectively reveal or hide portions of a layer. Here’s how you do it:
Steps to Create a Mask
- Select Your Layer: First, choose the layer you want to mask in your composition.
- Access the Mask Tools: Go to the "opacity" tab. Here you’ll find mask tools (rectangle, ellipse, and pen tool). You will find this section by selecting the "layer" you wish to apply the mask too.
- Choose a Mask Shape:
- Rectangle Tool: Click the rectangle tool to create a rectangular or square mask.
- Ellipse Tool: Click the ellipse tool to create a circular or oval mask.
- Pen Tool: Click the pen tool to create custom shapes by clicking to set anchor points and dragging to set bezier curves.
- Draw the Mask: Click and drag on your selected layer to draw the mask.
- Adjust the mask You can now use the points/handles on the masks to adjust its size, position, and shape.
Masking Tool Options and Adjustments
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Mask Path | This is where you can keyframe changes to the mask shape over time. |
| Mask Feather | Softens the edge of the mask. |
| Mask Opacity | Controls the visibility of the masked region. |
| Mask Expansion | Expands or contracts the mask area. |
| Inverted | This checkbox reverses the mask, revealing what is normally hidden and vice versa. |
Example Use Cases
- Isolating Objects: Mask around an object to isolate it from the rest of the frame.
- Creating Transitions: Use mask paths to transition between two video clips or images.
- Adding Special Effects: Apply effects within the masked area to create a focus, or any creative use.
By understanding these masking techniques and the available adjustments, you can effectively control and manipulate the visibility of layers in your After Effects projects.
