Masking simulations

Question

Hi community.

I have some questions regarding how to correctly mask simulations.

In the first example below with layer 3 (oragne colour), ball action simulation is applied, and I tried to create a mask with my solid, but nothing happens. I tried with this mask, because it gives options for feathering.

In the second example I precomposed (Green layer) the simulation, and again tried to make a mask with the precomp, but masking didnt work.

Witht the 3rd option, I did a track matt, and the masking worked so I got my star shape and bubbles masked into the shape. But the edges are hard, and no feathering options are available.

So what is the best method to mask a simulation, and be able to feather the hard edges?

Thank you.

thepixelsmith · Answer

Option 1:Masks apply before effects do so they are masking the source layer's content not the results of the effect.To create a mask that applies to an effect you have to use the effect's Compositing option. They are located in the Timeline (and only in the timeline) as the last property group for the effect. Just click the plus sign to add the layer mask as an effects mask. There are limitations with this approach: You will need multiple masks if you also want to mask the layer's content and feather doesn't work the same way with effects masks. Option 2Your second attempt seems to have failed because you left the effect on the comp layer rather then moving it into the new comp. I assume you used the Leave all Attributes option instead of the Move all Attributes option in the pre-compose dialog box. Option 3:Your third attempt with the track matte. To soften the edges of a track matte apply a blur effect to the track matte layer.

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