What are the fundamental concepts of masking and rotoscoping in After Effects CC?

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. ....