Week 4 · Masking
Project 2 · Cinematic Reveal — Weeks 4–6
Today's skill: Masking
In class
The Pen tool, mask shapes, mask modes (Add / Subtract / Intersect), feather, expansion and mask opacity — then keyframing the mask path, mask reveals, text write-on effects, and combining multiple masks on a single layer.
In-class exercise
Exercise 3 · Cut & Reveal — Draw and combine masks (modes, feather, expansion, opacity), then animate a Mask Path wipe-on reveal.
Work through this short hands-on drill in class to rehearse today's skill before you apply it to your project. Full step-by-step: see the Exercise 3 · Cut & Reveal page.
Homework this week
Build your animated mask reveal for the cinematic reveal. Push your Cinematic Reveal forward with today's skill. See the Assignment · Project 2 page for the full brief.
Helpful links
Masking
- Complete Beginner's Guide to Masking — Cinecom
- How to Mask in After Effects — YouTube
- Beginner's Guide to Masking — Dansky
Key terms: see the Vocabulary page. All links: see the Tutorial Links page.