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how to easily join or merge 2 masks in after effects
Hello
i have a little problem where to difference masks are on each other and there is a gap showing. i guess i could probably take the time to make sure each layer is sitting right next to the other and get rid of the gap, but i was hoping that there might be and easy solution as i have 5 layers with around 15 masks each that all have the same problem.
so is there any way to say highlight 2 masks and then tell them to join together or merge into one in after effects?
i am thinking the only other way to fix my problem is to go back to illustrator and fix it there and reimport the masks.
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5 Replies
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If you want the masks to join why not use the “Add” mode instead of “Difference”?
Note that it doesn’t actually join the masks into one mask, only adds to the visible area. -
hey!
i guess i should have tried that first, i thought that the difference mode would be the only one to get the transfers right so that i could see another layer behind the masks. k. problem solved.
Thanks!
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Also, if you really want to join 2 or more masks into 1 mask (so that you can use a fill effect, for example), and if you have Illustrator installed, you can do this:
1. highlight and copy all of the masks you want to join
2. paste them in to a blank illustrator document
3. use the “direct selection” tool to select the end point of one mask, hold down shift, then select the end point of the other mask
go to Object > Path > Join (or command-J)4. repeat step #3 as necessary until you have only 1 path
5. copy the path
6. paste the path into an After Effects layer. you may need to move the entire path around to line it back up where it belongs.
some extra tips for working with masks in AE:
double-click on a mask point to select the entire mask, so that you can move it around without moving the layer it’s applied to. you can also scale the mask by dragging its bounding box (and shift-drag to constrain proportions)
to help line up 2 masks, temporarily apply a stroke effect to both, using contrasting colors, so that you can clearly see both at the same time.
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Forgot to add a possible step in Illustrator that would go between 2 and 3 – and forgive me if this is very basic or obvious:
If the masks you pasted from AE were closed, first you have to open them. In Illustrator, use the scissor tool (nested with the eraser tool). Click once on a segment or point, then click on another part of the segment or another point. This will cut the single closed path into two open paths. Delete the part of the path that you don’t want.
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You could also use the pathfinder toolbar in Illustrator you don’t have break the paths
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