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30 Chapter 1 Getting To Know Motion
The third set, the Mask tools, can only be accessed when another object is selected.
Using a Mask tool creates a new mask that hides portions of the selected object. The
area inside the mask remains visible. Masks have their own set of controls available in
the Inspector.
B-Spline Tool B
Toggles Bezier/
B-Spline
Creates a new freeform shape with B-Spline vertices.
To create a shape, click repeatedly in the Canvas to
add points to your shape. To close the shape, click the
first point of the shape or press C. To create an open-
ended shape, double-click the last point.
Text Tool T Creates new text objects and lets you edit the text of
existing text objects. To create a text object, click the
tool in the Canvas at the position where you want the
text to appear, then begin typing. Choose the Select/
Transform tool (or press Esc) to grab or move the new
text object. To change the text of an existing text
object, select the Text tool, then click the text. The text
becomes editable.
Button Tool name Keyboard shortcut Description
Icon Tool Name Keyboard Shortcut Description
Rectangle
Mask Tool
Option+R Creates a new rectangular mask in the Canvas. Click at
the position where you want one corner to appear
and drag to the position of the opposite corner.
Pressing Shift while you drag constrains the mask to a
square.
Circle Mask
Tool
Option+C Creates a new circular mask in the Canvas. Click at the
position where one edge of the mask should begin
and drag toward the opposite edge. Pressing the Shift
key while dragging constrains the mask to a circle.
Bezier Mask
Tool
Option+B
Toggles Bezier/B-
Spline Mask Tools
Creates a new freeform mask with Bezier point
vertices. To create a mask, click repeatedly in the
Canvas to add points to your mask. To close the mask,
click the first point of the mask or press C. To create an
open-ended mask, double-click the last point.
B-Spline Mask
Tool
Option+B
Toggles Bezier/
B-Spline Mask Tools
Creates a new freeform mask with B-Spline vertices. To
create a mask, click repeatedly in the Canvas to add
points to your mask. To close the mask, click the first
point of the shape or press C. To create an open-
ended shape, double-click the last point.
01112.book Page 30 Sunday, March 13, 2005 10:36 PM