Skip to main content
A
Anil S.
Participating Frequently
June 27, 2019
Answered

Can't select individual mask points [AE CC 2019]

  • June 27, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 36889 views

Hi!

I have this "issue" since some time and I don't know if it's my mistake or a software thing. I made a quick video to demonstrate you, that I can not select individual mask points, to move them around. It's not always like that, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I already googled almost everything and tried so many shortcuts. Can anybody help me out here?

Video of the issue:

    Correct answer OussK

    i see you already use some expression on the mask path so try to stop this expression and check if you can move the point, some expression can block the normal use of some feature in after effects and this is normal,

    to stop the expression click on the (=) button

    2 replies

    OussK
    Community Expert
    OussKCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 27, 2019

    Try this one

      A
      Anil S.Author
      Participating Frequently
      June 27, 2019

      It's already a step forward, because now it's selecting the individual mask point, but I can not move it.

      Edit: I tried also the method of Rick using the Pen Tool and holding Ctrl/Cmd. Did not work either.

      OussK
      Community Expert
      OussKCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      June 27, 2019

      i see you already use some expression on the mask path so try to stop this expression and check if you can move the point, some expression can block the normal use of some feature in after effects and this is normal,

      to stop the expression click on the (=) button

        R
        Community Expert
        Rick GerardCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        June 27, 2019

        There's nothing wrong with AE you are just using the wrong tool. The direct selection tool (v) is the wrong tool to select mask points and edit them.

        Try selecting the path in the timeline, then switch to the Pen tool (g) and hold down the Ctrl/Cmnd key as you move over the various parts of the path. You should be able to see the cursor change. You should also be able to click and drag around one or more mask points to select them and move them. Here is a tutorial I did a few a long time ago. It should get you started.

          A
          Anil S.Author
          Participating Frequently
          June 27, 2019

          Thank you for the quick response! It's still not working. I selected the pen tool and hold ctrl/cmd. It changes the cursor, but I am still not able to select the mask points.

            Jose Panadero
            Community Expert
            Jose PanaderoCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            June 27, 2019

            Instead of clicking, have you tried to create an area around the point you want to modify (with the selection tool)? I thinks as Rick says, that there is nothing wrong with the way the mask tool is working.

            Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
            Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices