User Guide

239
ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS 5.0
User Guide
You can create a mask using any of the following methods:
• Draw a path using the tools from the toolbox.
• Specify the dimensions of the mask shape in the Mask Shape dialog box.
• Paste a path copied from another layer or from Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop.
For more information, see “Importing masks from Adobe Illustrator and Adobe
Photoshop” on page 255.
Working with multiple masks in one layer
You can create multiple masks in a single layer using any of the methods listed in“Types of
masks” on page 239, “Creating masks from motion paths” on page 241, and “Importing
masks from Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop” on page 255.
Mask names appear in the order you create them in the Timeline window outline. To
organize and keep track of your masks, rename them as you would rename layers (see
“Renaming a layer” on page 135). To make it easier to work with multiple masks in the
Composition window, you can apply different colors to each mask outline.
When creating additional masks for one layer in the Layer window, make sure that the
Target pop-up menu in the Layer window is set to None; otherwise, you will replace the
targeted mask instead of creating a new mask. See “Specifying one mask as the target for
animation” on page 253.
To apply a new color to a mask outline:
1 Select the mask whose outline you want to change. See “Selecting masks and control
points” on page 244 for information on selecting masks.
2 If necessary, expand the Mask properties.
3 Click the color swatch just to the left of the mask name, pick a new color, and click OK.
Types of masks
You can draw three types of masks:
Rectangular A rectangular mask can also be square. This type of mask is previewed and
rendered faster than any other kind of drawn mask.
Oval An oval mask can also be circular.
UG.book Page 239 Wednesday, February 21, 2001 12:05 PM