ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS 7.0
User Guide
265
Mask shapes that result when different modes are applied to the circle mask. The shapes in this illustration have different Mask Opacity values.
A.
Original masks
B.
None
C.
Add
D.
Subtract
E.
Intersect
F.
Lighten
G.
Darken
H.
Difference
To apply a mask mode
1
In the Timeline panel, select the layer containing the mask to which you want to apply a mode and press M.
2
Click the menu next to the mask name and choose a mask mode.
None
After Effects treats the mask as if it does not exist. The mask has no impact on the layer or composition. This
option is useful when you want to use the mask’s path for an effect such as Stroke or Fill, but do not want it to create
transparent areas in the layer.
Add
Adds the selected mask area to the other masks for that layer, displaying all mask contents in the Composition
panel. Where multiple masks intersect, the opacity of all intersecting masks is added together.
Subtract
Subtracts the mask from all masks located above it in the Timeline panel. The contents of the subtracted
mask area appear as a hole in the Composition panel. This option is useful when you want to create the appearance
of a hole in the center of another mask.
Intersect
Adds the mask to all masks above it, but displays in the Composition panel only the area where the selected
mask and any of the previous masks intersect. Where multiple masks intersect, the opacity of all intersecting masks
is added together.
Lighten
Adds the mask to all the masks above it, displaying contents of all masked areas in the Composition panel.
Where multiple masks intersect, the highest opacity value is used, so opacity doesn’t build up.
Darken
Adds the mask to all masks above it, but displays in the Composition panel only the area where the selected
mask and any of the others intersect. Where multiple masks intersect, the highest transparency value is used, so
transparency doesn’t build up.
Difference
Adds the selected mask to the masks above it, and displays in the Composition panel the mask contents
of all masked areas except those areas where the masks intersect.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H