Skip to main content
R
RuesterProd
Known Participant
March 21, 2009
Answered

Convert Mask path to shape path?

  • March 21, 2009
  • 3 replies
  • 186600 views
Can I convert a Mask path into a shape path in AECS4?

I am running into a problem with resizing my layers - I am animating a signature, and part of it was done as a shape, part of it as a mask that 'reveals' a signature (someone else created the original) when I try to enlarge the whole thing, only the shape portion enlarges without artifacting (vector) the mask portion gets blocky and ugly if enlarged.
    Correct answer Mylenium
    Copy&Paste. Jeff Almasol also created a script to automate this when you need to do it en masse. Check his site redefinery.com and Adobe Exchange. Be aware, though, that parametric shape layer items like ellipse, star etc cannot be converted.

    Mylenium

    3 replies

    A
    Alx0
    Participant
    March 8, 2019

    I found if I copy the Mask Path directly and paste it on to the Path of the shape, it will convert that mask into a shape. *Did it on AE CC 2018 but maybe it translates to other versions...

    1. Create a new empty Shape layer

    2. Use the pen tool on the Shape layer. Click once (anywhere on the comp) to add a "path" attribute on that Shape Layer.

    3. Go to your layer with the mask that you want to copy.

    4. Drill down into the mask to reveal the Mask Path (it's the attribute with the stopwatch).

    5. Copy the Mask Path directly

    6. Go back to the new Shape layer and drill down into the Contents > Shape 1 > Path > Path 1. (The inner most attribute with the stopwatch).

    7. Paste directly onto that Path attribute.

      M
      MKR91
      Participant
      April 8, 2020

      Worked great Alx0 - thank you!

      P
      plavoie_kaffein
      Participant
      July 1, 2015

      Hi there!

      It's been a while since this was posted, but for anyone interested, here's how I made it work:

      Copy mask path, create a new shape layer, click Add: > Path, and paste.

      Credits go to this guy: http://motionworks.net/mask_to_shapes/

      Simple but you have to know it!

      Cheers

        V
        vikaf99270627
        Participant
        October 21, 2015

        It's amazing ! Finally, the correct answer !!!!!! Thank you so much!

          Mylenium
          MyleniumCorrect answer
          Legend
          March 21, 2009
          Copy&Paste. Jeff Almasol also created a script to automate this when you need to do it en masse. Check his site redefinery.com and Adobe Exchange. Be aware, though, that parametric shape layer items like ellipse, star etc cannot be converted.

          Mylenium
          C
          cadadas
          Participant
          March 18, 2010

          copy and paste does not work the way i want it.

          if i copy the mask and paste it onto a shape layer, its amask path on a shape layer - not a shape path!

          do you know what I mean?

          greetings

          seb

            R
            Community Expert
            Rick GerardCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            January 4, 2012

            Hi, I have the same problem and the suggestion didn't work for me. The steps I'm making are:

            In a new comp, drag with  Rectangle tool creates Shape Layer 1

            Pick the Star tool, click Tool Creates Mask button, and draw a star mask over the rectangle

            Press F2 to deselect layers, pick Ellipse tool and draw to create Shape Layer 2

            Select and copy Mask Path property from Shape Layer 1

            Select the Ellipse Path property from Shape Layer 2, and paste

            This does not convert the mask to shape but adds the mask to Shape Layer 2

            Here's what I'm trying to achieve.

            I have a text layer with text on a mask path that is a closed circle and animated. I want to fill that animated circle with color. To achieve that I'm trying to convert a copy of that mask to a shape layer.


            Shape layers that are created with everything except the pen tool are defined by rules that don't apply to masks. The size, radius, number of points, number of sides are defined by numbers. These numbers create the vectors that create the shapes.

            Masks, even when created with the shape tools, are converted immediately to paths. Once a mask is drawn you cannot change the number of points in a star by simply adjusting a number. A shape layer, on the other hand, that was created using the shape tools (Keyboard shortcut q) can be edited after the shape is created by simply adjusting the number of points, inner radius, outer radius and so on. You'll find the shape properties in the timeline under Contents, then Polystar, Rectangle and so forth.

            If you want to take a mask and convert it to a shape layer then all you have to do is select the mask path, copy that, then use the pen tool (keyboard shortcut g) to draw any path in the comp window. You then spin down the shape layer's Contents, drill down to Shape>Path, then select the path and paste. Your mask is now a Shape Path.

            When copying and pasting shapes I always find it easiest to set a keyframe for the mask path, select the keyframe, copy that, then go to the Shape Layer >Contents>Shape>Path>path and set a keyframe there, highlight the keyframe and paste. This assures you that you're moving the path info and it always works. That's also how you would turn an animated mask into an animated shape layer.

            I hope this helps.

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