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Changing the shape of a mask


    In the Layer or Composition window, you can freely change the shape of a mask. You can move, delete, or add control points to reshape a mask; create a flexible outline to accommodate any shape; and even change a mask shape over time.

    Some changes require the use of tools grouped with the pen tool in the toolbox. To reveal these tools, click and hold the pen tool in the toolbox. When modifying a mask, make sure that you click only existing control points or segments; otherwise, you may create a new mask instead.

To change a mask shape numerically:

  1. Select the mask.
  2. In the Timeline window, expand the Mask options.
  3. Next to the Mask Shape property, click the underlined word "Shape," and specify the changes.
  4. Click OK.

To replace one mask shape with another:

  1. In the Layer window, select the mask you want to replace from the Target pop-up menu.
  2. Draw a new mask shape.
  3. Note: After you create the new mask shape in the Layer window, select None from the Target pop-up menu; otherwise, all subsequent masks you create will replace the targeted mask. See Specifying one mask as the target for animation.

To reset a mask to its default boundaries:

    Select the mask in the Timeline window and choose Layer > Mask > Reset Mask.

To delete one mask:

    Select the mask in the Timeline window and press Delete.

To delete all masks:

    Select the layer containing the masks you want to remove and choose Layer > Masks > Remove All Masks.

To move a control point:

    Using the selection tool (the selection tool), drag the control point.

    Tip iconYou can temporarily switch from the pen tool to the selection tool by pressing Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS).

To add a control point to a mask:

    Using the Add Control Point tool (the pen tool or pen + tool), click the line between two existing control points.

To delete a control point from a mask:

  1. Using the Delete Control Point tool (the Delete Control Point tool), click a point.

To adjust the shape of a curve segment:

    Do one of the following with the selection tool:

    • Drag a control point.
    • Drag the direction lines extending from an adjoining smooth point.
    • Drag a curved segment.

To change a control point from a corner to a smooth point or vice versa:

    Do one of the following:

    • Using the Convert Control Point tool (the Convert Control Point tool), click the control point.
    • Using the selection tool, press Ctrl (Windows) or Control (Mac OS) as you click the control point.
    • Using the pen tool, click the control point.