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613Final Cut Pro User Guide
You can also draw masks with linear control points, which are connected by straight lines.
Linear control points are also known as corner points. You can convert control points
between linear (corner) points and smooth (Bezier) points at any time.
Note: By default, the Draw Mask is set to draw with Bezier shapes. If you prefer to draw
your mask with linear or B-Spline shapes, you can adjust this setting in the Video inspector
before you get started.
Create complex masks in Final Cut Pro
You can use the powerful Draw Mask effect to create a complex custom mask using control
points and spline drawing methods. You can also convert a Shape Mask to a Draw Mask, to
take advantage of its sophisticated controls.
Create a complex mask with the Draw Mask effect
The instructions below explain how to create a mask using a Bezier spline, the default
shape type. If you prefer to draw your mask with linear or B-Spline shapes, you can adjust
this setting in the Video inspector before you get started. See Add mask control points in
Final Cut Pro.
1. Add the clip you want to mask to the Final Cut Pro timeline.
Note: If you want to composite the clip over a background clip, you must use connected
clips. See
Connect clips in Final Cut Pro.
2. Select the clip in the timeline, then position the playhead at a point within the clip that
shows the area you want to make transparent.
3. To open the Effects browser, click the Effects button in the top-right corner of the
timeline (or press Command-5).
4. In the Effects browser, select the Draw Mask effect.
Tip: To quickly find the Draw Mask effect, type “draw mask” in the Effects browser
search field.
5. To apply the mask effect to the clip selected in the timeline, do one of the following:
• Drag the effect to the timeline clip.
• Double-click the effect thumbnail in the Effects browser.