Masking in After Effects CC:
1. Definition:
- Masking is a technique used to selectively hide or reveal portions of a layer or composition. It involves creating a shape or path that defines the visible area of a layer, essentially acting as a stencil.
2. Types of Masks:
- Shape Masks: Basic geometric shapes (ellipse, rectangle, polygon) used to define areas of visibility.
- Pen Tool Masks: Custom masks created using the Pen tool for precise and complex shapes.
- Text Masks: Masks based on text layers to reveal specific areas of the underlying layers.
3. Creating Masks:
- Shape Mask: Select the layer, choose a shape tool, and draw on the layer.
- Pen Tool Mask: Select the layer, choose the Pen tool, and create a custom path.
- Text Mask: Use the alpha channel of a text layer as a mask.
4. Mask Properties:
- Path: Defines the shape of the mask.
- Feather: Softens the edges of the mask for smoother transitions.
- Opacity: Adjusts the transparency of the masked area.
- Expansion: Expands or contracts the mask shape.
5. Mask Interpolation:
- Masks can be keyframed for animation, allowing changes over time.
- Keyframe properties such as Path, Feather, and Opacity to create dynamic masking effects.
6. Mask Modes:
- Add: Combines the masked areas of multiple layers.
- Subtract: Removes the masked areas of one layer from another.
- Intersect: Retains only the overlapping masked areas of multiple layers.
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