After Effects Tutorial > Masks

Understanding Masks in After Effects

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The masks in After Effects are classified into three types: matte, shape, and alpha. The matte type of mask is the most common one. It is used to isolate a specific area of the image or video in order to apply certain effects or filters on that area only. The shape type of mask is used when we want to change the shape of an object or some aspect of its outline. The alpha type of mask is used for compositing two layers together - it can be a live action footage with a background scene or any other combination.

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Some of the benefits of using video masks include:

  • It can help people who have difficulties with speech, such as those who have autism or stutter
  • It can help people who are shy about their appearance, for example, if they have scars or tattoos
  • It can make it seem like someone is talking when they’re not. I would recommend using a different app if you want to talk or interact with others or use this solely for writing.

To create an alpha channel, you must first convert your color image into a grayscale version by going to Image > Mode > Grayscale. Next, select Image > Channel > Alpha 1 and then click on the "Create New Image" button in the bottom right corner. Invert your selection by pressing Ctrl-I on Windows or Command-I on MacOS and then press Ctrl-C or Command-C to copy it onto your clipboard. Finally, go back to your original color file and paste the selection onto it using Ctrl-V or Command-V.

Masking is the process of obscuring or hiding parts of an image. Transparency is the process of showing through, or making see-through.

A mask can be created by using the pen tool in Photoshop. There are three ways to create a mask with the pen tool:

  • Using the pen-tool to create a shape that fits over the desired area
  • Creating points along the edge of an object with the pen tool
  • Drawing a path around an object with the pen tool is one of the best ways to create an intricate shape in a vector. To do this, simply select the pen tool and trace your way along the perimeter of your object with it. Once you have finished tracing, click on "Object" in the top menu and then "Path."

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Course Content

  1. Understanding After Effects Interface
    23m 13s

  1. Installation Of After Effects
    5m 6s
  2. Understanding Timeline, Shapes and Solid Layers in After Effects
    31m 3s

  1. Understanding Masks in After Effects
    33m 45s

  1. Blending Multiple Layers in After Effects
    18m 47s
  2. Assignment : Blending Layers
    1m 56s

  1. Implementing various Effects in After Effects Part 1
    27m 49s
  2. Implementing various Effects in After Effects Part 2
    21m 31s

  1. Understanding Color Correction & Color Grading in After Effects
    30m 16s
  2. Assignment : Color Correction & Color Grading
    1m 2s

  1. Understanding Animations & Key Frames in After Effects
    11m 8s

  1. Understanding Various Effects & Presets in After Effects
    16m 39s

  1. Understanding Rotoscoping in After Effects
    31m 20s
  2. Assignment : Rotoscoping
    36s

  1. Understanding Green Screen Chroma Key in After Effects
    20m 47s
  2. Assignment : Green Screen Chroma Key
    1m 39s

  1. Motion Tracking in After Effects
    25m 24s
  2. Assignment : Motion Tracking
    1m 49s

  1. Puppet Animation Tools in After Effects
    21m 57s
  2. Assignment : Puppet Animations Tools
    52s

  1. 3D Animations & Camera Tools in After Effects
    42m 12s

  1. Understanding Advance 3D tools in After Effects
    33m 12s

  1. 3D tracking & Stabilization in After Effects
    33m 17s
  2. Assignment: 3D Tracking & Stabilization
    1m 59s

  1. Understanding Wire Removal & Stamp tool in After Effects
    31m
  2. Assignment : Wire Removal & Stamp Tool
    2m 28s

  1. Text Animations in After Effects
    35m 35s

  1. Motion Graphics in After Effects
    30m 56s

  1. Hologram & Matt Painting in After Effects
    38m 5s
  2. Assignment : Hologram & Matt Painting
    3m 21s

  1. Screen Replacement in After Effect
    9m 55s
  2. Assignment : Screen Replacement
    1m 47s

  1. Expressions in After Effects
    14m 27s

  1. Export Video in After Effects
    11m 50s

  1. Transition Effects in After Effects
    25m 26s

  1. Course Summary Of After Effects
    1m 28s

  1. Interview Question In After Effects
    8m 2s

  1. After Effects Career Guideline
    43s
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