Creating masks in Adobe After Effects is a core skill that unlocks many creative possibilities in animation and motion design. Whether you want to isolate objects, apply effects to certain parts, or create transitions, masks are your go-to tool.
📌 What is a Mask in Adobe After Effects?
A mask is a path or outline that defines a specific area of a layer. You can use it to:
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Reveal or hide portions of a layer.
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Apply effects only inside (or outside) the mask.
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Create custom transitions and animations.
✏️ Types of Masks
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Add Mask (Reveal Area)
Only the area inside the mask remains visible. -
Subtract Mask (Hide Area)
The area inside the mask becomes invisible. -
Intersect Mask
Only overlapping areas between multiple masks are visible. -
None
Temporarily disables the mask.
🛠️ Tools to Create Masks
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Pen Tool (G) – Draw custom shapes.
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Shape Tools (Q) – Create ellipse, rectangle, polygon, or star masks.
💡 Tip: Make sure the layer is selected before drawing a mask!
🪄 Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Basic Mask
Step 1: Open Adobe After Effects
Create a new composition and import a video or image layer.
Step 2: Select the Layer
Click on the layer you want to apply the mask to.
Step 3: Choose a Mask Tool
Select the Rectangle Tool (Q) or Pen Tool (G).
Step 4: Draw the Mask
Drag on the Composition Panel to draw your shape. A yellow outline (mask path) will appear.
Step 5: Adjust the Mask
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Use the Selection Tool (V) to move points or reshape.
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Open Mask Properties under the layer to tweak:
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Mask Path
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Mask Feather (for soft edges)
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Mask Opacity
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Mask Expansion
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Step 6: Change the Mask Mode
Switch between Add, Subtract, Intersect based on your needs.
🧰 Mask Animation (Optional)
You can animate masks over time!
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Expand Mask Path.
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Click the stopwatch ⏱️ to set a keyframe.
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Move the timeline and adjust the mask shape.
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AE will interpolate between shapes—creating smooth mask motion!
📷 Use Case Examples
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Highlight Face | Use a mask to brighten only the face. |
| Focus Reveal | Animate a mask to reveal text. |
| Custom Transitions | Move a shape mask to slide between clips. |
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Forgetting to select the layer before drawing the mask.
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❌ Overusing feathering—leads to blurry edges.
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❌ Not naming masks—useful when working with many layers.
✅ Summary
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Add/Subtract | Flexible visibility control |
| Animation | Dynamic reveals and effects |
| Precision Tools | Pen Tool enables custom design |
📚 Final Thoughts
Mastering basic masks in Adobe After Effects is the first step to professional-level video editing and motion design. Practice with simple shapes and gradually move into animated masks for transitions and VFX.
