Copying and pasting a mask

[Matthew Rozzi]

I am trying to paste a complicated mask from one layer to another. My problem is that the layer I am pasting the mask to has been transformed, so when I paste it, the mask conforms to this transformation which I don’t want. I’d like to know how to basically “paste in place” this mask on another layer.

Thanks, Matt

[Walter Soyka]

Maybe try this script:
https://aescripts.com/copymask2layer/

[Adam Greenberg]

maybe you could use the set matte effect instead, i try never copying masks. what if you edit your mask, you would need to remember to recopy. unless you use expressions, but i think set matte is best, but it depends what you are doing exactly

[Walter Soyka]

Good call, Adam. If you’re just looking to matte something (rather than drive an effect with the mask), you can just reference the layer directly.

But rather than Set Matte, I’d suggest looking into the new track matte system. In the most recent version of Ae, you can select any other layer in the composition as a layer’s track matte; you are no longer restricted to the layer above. This makes it super-easy to reuse mattes without duplicating layers, and without worrying about the size mismatches that can happen with the Set Matte effect.

[Matthew Rozzi]

Thanks guys. This was really helpful. I’ll see what option works best.