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Drawing rectangular and oval masks


    Use the rectangle and oval tools to create mask shapes, or specify a mask shape numerically.

To create a rectangular or oval mask by dragging:

  1. Select a layer in the Composition window or display a layer in the Layer window.
  2. Select the rectangle tool (the rectangle tool) or the oval tool (the oval tool) in the toolbox.
  3. Position the cursor in the Composition or Layer window at one corner of the mask you want to draw and drag to the opposite corner.
  4. Use either of the following techniques to alter the mask as you draw:
    • Press Shift as you drag to create a square with the rectangle tool or a circle with the oval tool.
    • Press Alt (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) while dragging to create a mask that extends from its center.

    For more information about moving, scaling, and rotating masks, see Scaling and rotating selected masks or points.

To create a rectangular or oval mask the size of the layer:

  1. Select a layer in the Composition window or display a layer in the Layer window.
  2. In the toolbox, double-click either the rectangle tool or the oval tool.

To create a rectangular or oval mask by specifying a mask shape numerically:

  1. Select a layer in the Composition window or display a layer in the Layer window.
  2. Choose Layer > Mask > New Mask. A new mask appears in the Composition or Layer window with its handles at the outer edges of the frame.
  3. Choose Layer > Mask > Mask Shape.
  4. Select Rectangle or Oval.
  5. If you want, specify the size and location of the mask's bounding box. For information on coordinates, see Info palette.
  6. Click OK.