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Moving one point in a rotobezier mask
Hi. I’m trying to animate a rotobezier mask, but can only seem to move the entire mask around instead of modifying just one of the points. I can modify just a single point right after I first create the mask (where all of my mask points are hollow squares), but as soon as I click anywhere outside the comp window, all of my point squares turn solid, thus preventing me from modifying just one. I keep trying different key/click combos, but just can’t get there. I know this is probably a quick fix. Thanks.
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5 Replies
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Deselect all the points in the mask and then command click the point you want. Holding down command will turn your cursor into a white arrow with a little box when it’s around the mask, but when it’s over the mask it will become a sharp black arrow. Use the black arrow to click on a single point. You can lasso multiple points with the white arrow. Hold down shift and command to select additional points.
Using an expression to lock the layer in place is also a good little trick when you’re rotoscoping.
Motion Design, Color, Editing
Simulated Wood Grain Cabinet Inc.
Bunim-Murray Productions -
See “Select masks, segments, and vertices”
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Todd Kopriva, Adobe Systems Incorporated
putting the ‘T’ back in ‘RTFM’ : After Effects Help on the Web
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Hi. I’m trying to do what you’re saying, but I still have the same problem. When I either use Command-click while using the pen tool OR simply using the Selection tool, all I can manage to do is move the entire mask around instead of just one of the points. (I’m trying to finish the do-it-yourself “Creating Motion Graphics” book, so in a sense I am “RTFM”.)
One workaround that I found was simply deleting one of the points. Yes, this sorta screws up my initial mask, but all I do then is just add a new one. Only at that moment do all of my points go back to being hollow squares instead of solid, allowing me to then modify the points individually. I know it’s not supposed to work this way, but it at least allows me to keep going. Thanks for chiming in with useful info.
Paul
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Hi, again. I figured out what extra click I was adding that was screwing me up. Thanks for helping me out!
Paul
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I still use this tip. Thanks!
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