How do you add a mask in OpenShot video editor?

To add a mask in OpenShot video editor, you can use a grayscale image as a transition or mask by placing it in a specific folder.

Using Grayscale Images as Masks

OpenShot allows you to use grayscale images as masks. This feature effectively turns any grayscale image into a custom transition that can be used to mask parts of your video clips. Here's how:

1. Prepare Your Grayscale Image: Ensure you have a grayscale image that you want to use as a mask. This image will dictate how your video clip is revealed or hidden.
2. Access the Transitions Folder: You need to place this grayscale image in the designated folder, which is: ~/.openshot_qt/transitions/.
   • Note: The tilde (~) symbol represents your home directory.
3. Add the Image: Copy or move the grayscale image file to the transitions folder.
4. Name the File: Give your image file a recognizable name so you can easily find it in OpenShot's list of transitions.
5. Restart OpenShot: After placing the image in the folder, completely close and restart the OpenShot application.
6. Locate your Custom Mask: Once OpenShot restarts, your custom transition (mask) will appear in the list of available transitions within the software. You can now apply this to your clips as you would any other transition.

Practical Insights

• Grayscale Matters: Remember, the intensity of the grayscale values in your image determines the transparency of the mask. White areas will reveal the video entirely, black areas will hide it, and shades of grey will create transparency effects.
• Experiment: Don't hesitate to experiment with different grayscale images to achieve your desired masking effects.
• Naming Conventions: Using clear and descriptive names for your custom transitions is beneficial for quick identification. For example, use names like circle_mask or vertical_wipe.
• Transition List: When you use a greyscale image as a transition/mask it will show up in the list of transitions in the OpenShot editor.

Summary

In short, masks in OpenShot are implemented using grayscale images placed in the ~/.openshot_qt/transitions/ folder, providing a flexible way to create transitions and masking effects. Once placed, the image will be available to be used as a transition.