You are reading the article Masking Layers In After Effects updated in September 2023 on the website Happystarlongbien.com. We hope that the information we have shared is helpful to you. If you find the content interesting and meaningful, please share it with your friends and continue to follow and support us for the latest updates. Suggested October 2023 Masking Layers In After Effects
Introduction to Adobe After Effects What is Masking Layers in After Effects?
The masking process may seem tricky, but once understood and performed practically, you can gain a lot of knowledge about how to create amazing effects with the help of masking. The process can be achieved with two different methods. The first method is using the Simple Regular masking technique, while the second method involves using a shape layer mask.
The difference between the two arises if we create a shape when the layer is selected, it creates a normal mask on the layer. While, if nothing is selected, and we create a shape on the composition, a shape layer mask is created.
A more important criterion here to note is the use of different modes in the masking process. We have at least six different modes that pose different effects and results. These modes play an important role when creating masks with the layers.
Illustrations on Masking Layers in After EffectsPractically, a mask in After Effect is a feature that covers or displays particular or multiple areas of a layer in your design. Below we will look at a few illustrations.
Start Your Free Design Course
Illustration #1
Launch After effects.
Create a new project and composition.
Import an image as shown in the image given below.
Create Another Mask Using the Rectangle Tool as shown in the image.
The mask created will be inside the image option in the Timeline menu. We can see the Mask Path on the timeline in the drop-down menu.
By default, the mode selected is always ADD, while we can change and see the effects that take place while changing the modes in the timeline panel.
Edit this path uses the shortcut V or M to modify the Masks properties. Similarly, we can use any shape or path to create a mask on the layer.
Illustration #2
Create a new composition and check the settings of the composition
Import an image in the Timeline menu, as shown in the image.
Make sure the shape create is above the layer of the image to be masked.
Now, to create a mask, use the option Alpha Matte from the Tracking options in the Timeline menu.
This method of creating a mask is also easier and doesn’t involve the use of the Modes as used in the above example.
Illustration #3This example shows how to create an animation using the Masking process of a layer. In this example, we have used the regular masking technique to show how to mask a text and animate it at the same time.
Create a new composition and check the settings of the composition.
Using the Text tool, write a text in the Composition panel.
Now, make sure that the layer is selected and create a rectangle as shown in the figure; this will create a mask on the text.
Now, select the mask and move it as shown in the image
After 2:00 seconds, change the position of the Mask as shown in the image.
Again after 2:00 seconds, change the position of the Mask.
Finally, change the position as shown in the image.
When you will play the animation using the Space bar, you will see, a text effect is created using the masking process. We can even change the Mode and see the desired results by changing different modes in the Text.
Conclusion Recommended ArticlesThis is a guide to Masking Layers in Adobe After Effects. Here we discuss Mask Layers in After Effects with a few illustrations. You can also go through our other related articles to learn more –
You're reading Masking Layers In After Effects
Update the detailed information about Masking Layers In After Effects on the Happystarlongbien.com website. We hope the article's content will meet your needs, and we will regularly update the information to provide you with the fastest and most accurate information. Have a great day!