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Multiple masks from Photoshop to AE
Hi there
I have a PSD file (CS2) with a background image layer and four masks (each in separate layers). When I import the psd file into AE (version 7) it correctly imports the mask layers.However, what I am hoping to achieve is for each mask to ‘add’ to the previous one. In other words, the first part of the video will have the first mask ‘revealing’ a portion of the background video, and then the second mask will ‘add’ to this reveal – in effect revealing more of the background video.
I had no problem doing this with simple shapes constructed as multiple masks (in the same layer) from within AE.
But how do I get the psd mask layers to ‘become’ AE masks (ie multiple masks for a single video layer)? At the moment each of these masks from PShop is its own layer, and they cancel each other out – ie only work individually.
Am I going about this the right way?
Have I made myself clear?Any suggestions appreciated …
Yours in masked confusion
Simon -
3 Replies
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Hi again
Trying to make this clearer.
What I am looking to do is create a p/shop file with multiple masks, import the file into AE, then work with these masks so that they have a CUMULATIVE effect on the background video/image (ie, one image masking, then second is added to this mask, and so on …)
I can achieve this cumulative effect by creating simple mask shapes in AE itself. These masks all appear underneath (or within) the image layer (ie when I twirl down the image layer).
Here is an example of relationship between masks and their image layer: https://www.skellis.net/Images/fromAE.jpg
However, eventually I want to develop complex mask shapes (in photoshop) and do the same thing.
When I try and do this the masks (from photoshop) are all placed in their own layers (and not as a part of the background image layer as above).
Here is example: https://www.skellis.net/Images/fromPSD.jpg
However, in this latter example the masks (if more than one is visible) cancel the other masks out – and I end up with simple a white screen! (hence only one ‘mask layer’ being visible in this second example).
What am I doing wrong or missing?
I have tried to copy these layers (imported from photoshop) into an image/video layer in AE – but they stubbornly refuse to go there (and just create new layers).
I am sure there is just small part of either a) creating masks in p/shop for use in AE, or b) how to generate the ‘correct’ relationship between the masks and the background image in AE – that I am missing.Help ….
Cheers
Simon -
Normally for the end result your after (if I understand correctly), I’d create the complex shapes with the lasso selection tool, cut the selection from the background, create new layer and paste to new layer. This way, you get your elements each on their own layer, rather than a mask on each layer. When you bring your PSD into AE, you have full control of each layer in the timeline.
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Hi there
Yes – you understood me correctly and your solution worked just spot on.
It’s kind of weird really b/c as I understand it, your solution means cutting black shapes out in photoshop, importing those shapes (as layers) into AE, and then dropping the opacity of each (in AE) to ‘reveal’ the moving image underneath …
I can’t say I really understand why the masks (from photoshop) didn’t work as I’d expect …
Thanks for your help.
Cheers
Simon
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