Bring back the old mask system.

I recently updated to Premiere Pro 2026 and went to create a mask. To my surprise and confusion, there was no option to do so in the Effect Controls. So, after being forced to research it online, I finally found that masks were inexplicably moved to the toolbar. Annoying and unnecessary, but whatever.

I went to try keyframing the mask path… and nothing happened. I then had to conduct further research online to find out that, for some reason, I have to right-click on the mask and assign it to “Opacity.” Another extra step that makes no sense.

So, I figured that it should finally work. Spoiler: it did not. At this point, I was enraged. Ready to punch my monitor, throw my PC out the window, mere seconds from a crashout. What else could I possibly need to do to create something so simple as an opacity mask? After consulting the internet for the THIRD time, I found that I’m supposed to switch the mask from “Frame” mode to “Clip” mode. Unbelievable.

What is it with Adobe and fixing stuff that isn’t broken?! Why did you think anyone wanted this?!? Now I have to do 35 extra clicks to achieve something that took me two seconds before. I honestly think I’m going to roll back to the 2025 version because of this, and that’s because I know this post is pointless and no one at Adobe will actually listen to what their customers want. But this made me so furious that I had to unleash it upon you somehow. All I can hope is that other people like me will see this and find solace in the fact that they’re not alone.

And for the love of god, stop forcing AI down our throats.