To Create A Mask By Dragging; To Create A Mask The Size Of The Layer; To Create A Mask Numerically; Creating Masks With The Pen Tool - Adobe AFTER EFFECTS 7.0 Manual

See also
"To rename a layer" on page 158

To create a mask by dragging

You can use this procedure with rectangular or elliptical masks only.
1 Select a layer in the Composition panel or display a layer in the Layer panel.
Select the Rectangular Mask tool
2
tool or Elliptical Mask tool is not visible, click and hold the visible Elliptical Mask tool or Rectangular Mask tool icon,
and choose the desired tool from the menu.
3 Position the cursor in the Composition or Layer panel at one corner of the mask you want to draw and drag to the
opposite corner.
Use either of the following techniques to alter the mask as you draw:
4
•
Hold down Shift as you drag to create a square with the Rectangular Mask tool or a circle with the Elliptical Mask
tool.
•
Begin dragging, and then hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) to create a mask that extends from
its center.

To create a mask the size of the layer

You can use this procedure with rectangular or elliptical masks only.
Select a layer in the Composition panel or display a layer in the Layer panel.
1
In the Tools panel, double-click either the Rectangular Mask tool or the Elliptical Mask tool.
2

To create a mask numerically

You can use this procedure with rectangular or elliptical masks only.
Select a layer in the Composition panel or display a layer in the Layer panel.
1
2 Choose Layer > Mask > New Mask. A new mask appears in the Composition or Layer panel with its handles at
the outer edges of the frame.
Choose Layer > Mask > Mask Shape.
3
Select Rectangle or Ellipse.
4
Optionally, specify the size and location of the mask's bounding box.
5
Click OK.
6

Creating masks with the Pen tool

Using the Pen tool, you can create a Bezier mask of any shape, including straight lines at any angle or smooth, flowing
curves. The Pen tool provides the most precise control over straight lines and curves. You can use the Pen tool's
RotoBezier option to create curved masks more quickly.
or the Elliptical Mask tool in the Tools panel. If the Rectangular Mask
ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS 7.0 245
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