Masking with objects typically involves using shapes or drawing tools to define which parts of an image or video layer are visible.
Masking in digital media editing is like placing a stencil over your image or video. Only the areas of the layer that are inside the shape of the stencil remain visible, while everything outside is hidden. This allows you to isolate specific elements, create interesting transitions, or blend layers in creative ways.
When using masking with "objects," it often refers to applying this stencil effect using drawing tools like shapes (rectangles, circles) or the pen tool to create custom forms directly on your media layer.
Applying a Mask with Shape or Pen Tools
Using shape or pen tools to create a mask is a fundamental technique in many editing software platforms. It allows you to precisely control which portion of your image or video is revealed.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply a mask using these tools, based on common workflows:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Select Your Media: First, choose your image/video on your timeline. This is the layer you want to apply the masking effect to. Make sure to click on the layer you want to add your mask to as well to ensure it is active.
- Choose the Tool: Next, select the shape or pen tool icon on the top toolbar. Shape tools allow you to draw predefined shapes like rectangles, ellipses, etc., while the pen tool gives you the flexibility to draw custom, freeform shapes or precise paths.
- Draw the Mask Shape: Finally, draw whatever shape you want on top of your image or video with your selected tool. As you draw, you will see the area outside the shape become hidden, leaving only the content within the shape visible. You can usually adjust the shape's size, position, and path after drawing it.
This process creates a visual "window" through which your selected layer is seen. The area inside the drawn shape is visible, while the area outside is transparent or shows the layer below.
Example Uses
Masking with shapes and drawing tools is versatile and used for various purposes:
- Highlighting a Subject: Draw a shape around the main subject of your video or image to draw attention to it, perhaps blurring or darkening the area outside the mask.
- Picture-in-Picture Effects: Create a smaller video frame by drawing a rectangle mask on a second video layer placed above your main footage.
- Creative Transitions: Animate a mask shape to reveal or hide parts of a layer over time.
- Isolating Elements: Trace around a specific object using the pen tool to cut it out from its background for compositing.
By using the shape or pen tools to draw directly onto your selected media layer, you gain precise control over the visibility of your content, enabling numerous creative possibilities.
