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charlie_Medc
charlie_Medc
Participant
April 27, 2026
Answered

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

 

    JohnColombo17100380
    JohnColombo17100380Correct answer
    Community Manager
    April 27, 2026

    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    In AE 26.2, Roto Brush has been replaced by the Object Matte tool.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
    View reply

    8 replies

    default0pmvsu61sii6
    Participant
    September 30, 2026

    test

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    desighur
    desighur
    Participant
    May 7, 2026

    Why change it?? Roto Brush was great

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    Nishu Kushwaha
    Community Manager
    Nishu KushwahaCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    May 7, 2026

    ​@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

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    JohnColombo17100380
    Community Manager
    JohnColombo17100380Community ManagerCorrect answer
    Community Manager
    April 27, 2026

    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    In AE 26.2, Roto Brush has been replaced by the Object Matte tool.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
    Translate
      Benton21882953ynn0
      Participant
      August 11, 2026

      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.  

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        Nishu Kushwaha
        Community Manager
        Nishu KushwahaCommunity Manager
        Community Manager
        August 12, 2026

        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

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        OliviaHazel
        Participating Frequently
        April 27, 2026

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

        • Double-click your clip → opens Layer panel (Roto Brush only shows there)
        • Press Alt + W (quick shortcut)
        • Click & hold the selection tool → check if it’s tucked under there
        • Or reset workspace: Window → Workspace → Reset
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        charlie_Medc
        charlie_MedcAuthor
        Participant
        April 27, 2026

        Thanks for the quick reply. Pressing Alt + W at least restored the Selection tool, but when I click and hold these are the four tools that appear:

         

        Resetting the workspace did not help.

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