how to make a stroke around a masked object in after effects

I can add a mask to a layer with the same Pen tool that I used to create my line object. To create the illusion that the horizontal line is revealing the text, I need to apply an animated mask to the text layer. This horizontal line will serve as the object I can use to reveal my text layer. Two clicks (one shift-click to keep things straight) will give me my line, along with a new shape layer in the timeline panel. Once I have the Pen tool selected I will choose a white stroke with a width of 5 pixels and no fill. I can create the horizontal line using the Pen tool (this will be a shape layer, not a mask). This is not a mask-it’s an entirely new element.įor the first step, I’ll create my TRAVEL text layer along with a simple horizontal line. If you draw a shape with no layer selected, then AE will create a new shape layer. A mask is essentially a way to block out part of the layer you’ve selected. If you draw a shape with a layer selected, then you will create a mask. These two tools help you create various shapes, but there are two different types of shakes that we create in AE. We’ll be using the Pen tool and the Rectangle tool a lot. Let’s see how I can use a mask to bring this animation to life.įirst off, let me quickly explain how the tools work because this can be a bit confusing. Here’s what the finished animation will look like. Each word will come on and off screen via a reveal animation effect. I want both of these words to have a similar minimalist look-something simple yet sleek. The spot will consist of two different text elements and a handful of other graphics and illustrations.įor the text, I’ll be using the words TRAVEL and EXPLORE. Okay, so let’s say that we’re working for a travel agency, and they have commissioned us to create a five-second ad that will be posted as an animated gif on various websites.

Bringing text to life with animated masks I’ll assume that you have a basic idea of how After Effects works. Finally, I’ll bring the whole project together by showing you how to create a variety of different wipe transitions.

Then I’ll go over a few different ways to animate objects with a mask.

First, I’ll show you how to bring life to text layers. And I’ll use masks nearly every step of the way. To show you just how versatile the mask is, I’m going to walk you through a quick motion graphics project. The Adobe help page for animated masks can be a little overwhelming. When working with motion graphics, think of it as your Swiss Army Knife. With only a handful of customizable attributes, an animated mask can pack a punch. Animated masks are my favorite of all the great features inside of Adobe After Effects.

How to make a stroke around a masked object in after effects