I have an object selected, Using the opacity effect does nothing to the selection Damn it what the **** is

​@mikecox_,

My guess: Your mask is in the “Unassigned Masks” group in Effect controls. Drag it to the Opacity section and adjust it there.

See Apply effects to existing unassigned masks in Premiere:

https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere/desktop/add-video-effects/create-masks-and-composites/apply-effects-to-existing-unassigned-masks.html

and

Redesigned Rectangle, Ellipse, and Pen tools:

https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere/desktop/add-video-effects/create-masks-and-composites/rectangle-ellipse-and-pen-masks.html

The new masking tools and procedures have a significant learning curve. See the helpx pages. Start with Redesigned Rectangle, Ellipse, and Pen tools and work down in the index to the left.

As of today, 1/28/26, the helpx pages contain some old content regarding masks. The ones  that are clearly active have a “Last updated” date of Jan 21, 2026 or newer.

Stan