User Guide

CHAPTER 7
242
Working with Masks and Transparency
4 In the Timeline window, select the layer you want to apply the mask to and expand its
properties, or open the layer in its Layer window.
5 Do one of the following:
• To use the motion path as a new mask, choose Layer > Mask > New Mask.
• To use the motion path as a replacement for an existing mask, select the mask you want
to replace.
6 In the Timeline, expand the Mask property for the mask you want to create or replace
and select the Mask Shape value name.
7 Choose Edit > Paste.
Drawing a Bezier mask with the pen tool
Using the pen tools, you can create a Bezier mask of any shape, including straight lines at
any angle or smooth flowing curves. The pen tools provide the most precise control over
straight lines and curves.
You can easily adjust the shape of the path by dragging the mask’s control points or the
direction lines associated with a control point. You can also quickly add points to or delete
points from a segment, or change a control point from one type to another. For infor-
mation on changing control points, see the related procedure in “Changing the shape of a
mask” on page 247.
Drawing straight lines with the pen tool
With the pen tool, draw straight lines by clicking the pen tool to create control points. Each
time you click the tool in a new location, After Effects draws a straight path segment from
the previous point to the new point. To close the path, position the cursor directly over the
first control point and, when you see a closed circle icon ( ) next to the cursor, click.
UG.book Page 242 Wednesday, February 21, 2001 12:05 PM