The rotobrush tool is missing from my most recent update v26.2.1. It is in the prior version 25.6.5

Forum|Forum|3 months ago
April 27, 2026
7 replies
7389 views

Correct answer JohnColombo17100380

Hi @charlie_Medc,

In AE 26.2, Roto Brush has been replaced by the Object Matte tool. Full details on the new tool can be found here: https://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/using/object-matte.html. Object Matte has much more accurate selection and propagates the selection much faster than the previous Roto Brush.

Cheers,

John, After Effects Engineering Team

desighur

Participant

Why change it?? Roto Brush was great

Nishu Kushwaha

Community Manager

@desighur Roto Brush is still available. It’s now part of the Object Matte tool. When you apply Object Matte to your footage, you can choose between different Roto Brush/Object Matte versions in the Effect Controls panel.

Hope it helps. Let me know if there are any other questions.

Thanks,

Nishu

JohnColombo17100380

Correct answer

Community Manager

Hi @charlie_Medc,

In AE 26.2, Roto Brush has been replaced by the Object Matte tool. Full details on the new tool can be found here: https://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/using/object-matte.html. Object Matte has much more accurate selection and propagates the selection much faster than the previous Roto Brush.

Cheers,

John, After Effects Engineering Team

B

Benton21882953ynn0

Participant

I must say, as someone who has to use this daily, (respectfully) the object matte selection tool is absolutely awful and makes everything a nightmare. Why isn’t there a way to just switch back to the old roto brush?? Y’all make questionable changes to your apps consistently but good gravy this is the first time I’ve felt so compelled to let y’all know that this you’re making everyones jobs harder.

Nishu Kushwaha

Community Manager

Hi Benton,

I hear you. Changes to core tools you use daily could be disruptive. Good news though - the older Roto Brush algorithm is still available. When you apply Object Matte, look in the Effect Controls panel — there's a version selector that lets you switch to the previous Roto Brush versions.

If there are specific things about the current Object Matte that aren't working well for your workflow, please share the details. We’ll be happy to help.

Thanks,

Nishu

O

OliviaHazel

Participating Frequently

Most likely it’s just hidden or not in the right context: