How to apply a simple mask.
By Estelle MacDonald
In this example I need to mask the black background to isolate the globe so that I can composite it over my video. There are 2 simple shape masks in motion, a rectangle and circle.
1. From the canvas or the layers tab F5 select the object you need to apply the mask to.
2. From the canvas select the mask > circle mask or keyboard shortcut option + C.
3. Begin to drag in the canvas and you will notice a circle forming. You can constrain the circle by holding down shift while dragging.
4. Once you have created your mask it should be selected. If it isn’t, open the layers tab (F5) and select the mask. You can hold down shift while dragging on a corner to constrain the mask proportions. If you want to constrain the mask proportions from the center rather than the sides, hold down Command + Option while you drag. The red circle below only highlights one corner however, you can resize from any corner. If you want to resize unconstrained, then simply drag from any corner with no modifiers.
Create a Rectangle Mask
1. Select your object in the layers tab F5.
In this case, I want to apply a mask over my fall background to reveal a portion of the layer beneath it for a lower third title.
2. Either choose the mask rectangle from the canvas pop up or the keyboard shortcut option + R.
3. In the Canvas, click and drag out a rectangle across the upper two-thirds of the canvas.
You can adjust the mask after you have drawn it in the canvas. Remember to select it in the layers tab or in the canvas and adjust any of the points to refine your mask.
Check back next month as we will cover Bezier masks.
