How to mask in After Effects (Tutorial)
Want to master masking in After Effects? This step-by-step tutorial walks you through how to create, edit, and animate masks using the Pen Tool, Shape Tool, and matte layers. Whether you’re building transitions, hiding objects, or adding visual effects, this guide has everything you need to understand and control masks in After Effects.
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🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Tutorial:
How to mask in After Effects using the Pen Tool and Shape Tool.
When to use each type of mask depending on your scene.
How to animate masks for smooth transitions and reveals.
What matte layers are and how to use them as advanced masks.
Tips for feathering, refining, and customizing your mask paths.
Common use cases like hiding elements, cropping video, or revealing text.
🔍 Inside the Tutorial:
Learn the fundamentals of masking in After Effects and go beyond the basics with animation and matte workflows. Whether you’re editing footage, animating motion graphics, or building title reveals, mastering masks will take your After Effects skills to the next level.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 What is a mask and how are they used?
0:45 How to mask using the Pen Tool and Shape Tool
4:05 Animate a mask with keyframes
4:42 Using a matte layer with a mask