How do I create a mask from a pre-made vector shape?

Report · Jul 15, 2021

Hi!

I have a pre-made shape in illustrator that I would like to copy and paste into AE as a mask. However I cannot get the shape to paste as a mask, only as a shape. I have been searching for a solution for about an hour and cannot find the answer I need, just answers for the opposite of this problem (like how to prevent a shape from pasting as a mask..).

What I've tried so far was selecting the layer I am trying to mask, right clicking to add a new mask, and then ctrl+v to paste the mask shape from illustrator onto that mask layer. I end up with a rectangle mask and my pasted shape stays a shape.

Any help is appreciated

Report · Jul 15, 2021

Hi Lauren5FAD,

Thanks for reaching out.

I am able to paste the Illustrator shape as a mask without any effort. I can just copy and paste it on a layer in After Effects to create the mask. Could you test it in a new project and see what are the results? If it's happening on a new project as well, try resetting the preferences of After Effects: https://community.adobe.com/t5/after-effects/faq-how-to-reset-trash-preferences-in-after-effects/td-...

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Nishu

Report · Jul 15, 2021

If you want to copy a path and paste it to a mask, or a motion path, it is always a good idea to set a keyframe, cut the keyframe, then use the pen tool to start another path, or use the pen tool to start a mask on another layer, or set a position keyframe and then paste.

You can skip setting a keyframe if you like, but sometimes the path does not get copied. Setting and cutting or copying the path keyframe always works.

If you are copying directly from Illustrator your Atrboard must be the same size as the Comp in AE or the masks will not line up. The same thing goes, set a keyframe for any position property, then paste, or use the pen tool to start any mask or shape path and paste.

I have a Quick Tip tutorial that covers the workflow. It is almost ready to publish. I'll post it here when it's ready.

Edit: Tutorial is ready...