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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  1. Understanding After Effects Interface
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  1. Installation Of After Effects
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  2. Understanding Timeline, Shapes and Solid Layers in After Effects
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  1. Understanding Masks in After Effects
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  1. Blending Multiple Layers in After Effects
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  2. Assignment : Blending Layers
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  1. Implementing various Effects in After Effects Part 1
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  2. Implementing various Effects in After Effects Part 2
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  1. Understanding Color Correction & Color Grading in After Effects
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  1. Understanding Animations & Key Frames in After Effects
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  1. Understanding Various Effects & Presets in After Effects
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  1. Understanding Rotoscoping in After Effects
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  2. Assignment : Rotoscoping
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  1. Motion Tracking in After Effects
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  1. Puppet Animation Tools in After Effects
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  1. 3D Animations & Camera Tools in After Effects
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  1. Understanding Advance 3D tools in After Effects
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  1. 3D tracking & Stabilization in After Effects
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  1. Understanding Wire Removal & Stamp tool in After Effects
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  1. Text Animations in After Effects
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  1. Motion Graphics in After Effects
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  1. Export Video in After Effects
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  1. Course Summary Of After Effects
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  1. Interview Question In After Effects
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