How to mask a Null object

[GoGraphix]

Hello everyone! I'm facing an issue with my workflow and was hoping to get some help. I'm trying to mask a Null object, but I'm not sure how to achieve this. Here's what I'm doing - I'm parenting a line of text to a null object and creating a shape under track matte for the null object. Then, I create the shape in which I want to mask the Null object so I can control multiple objects at once. Using the position, I would like to mask all the objects at once, but for some reason, it's not working as expected. Can anyone provide some insight on how to achieve this? Thank you! Please see the image for a clearer example. thank you, 

[GoGraphix]

Hello! I was able to solve my issue, but I have a question. Suppose I parent all the layers I want to a Null object, and then I add a mask directly to the Null object. How can I move the positions of the content without moving the mask? In other words, if I add a mask to a Null object, how can I move just the content within the Null object? I have attached an example for clarification. Thank you!

[Airweb_AE]

Maybe you can use an expression on the path property:

base = [960,540];
pts = points().map((val)=>{return base - transform.position + val});
createPath(pts,[],[],true)

replace base values with your start position values

[GoGraphix]

Thank you for the help!

[tiktoksaverpr0]

In After Effects, if you add a mask directly to a Null object and you want to move the content within the Null object without affecting the mask, you can use the "Set First Vertex" tool in the Pen tool options.

Here's how you can do it:

1. Select the Null object layer in the timeline.
2. Select the Pen tool (G) from the toolbar.
3. In the Pen tool options at the top of the screen, select the "Set First Vertex" tool (it looks like a small square).
4. Click and drag on the Null object layer in the composition window to create a mask shape. This mask shape will now move independently of the content within the Null object.
5. Now, you can move the content within the Null object by adjusting its position properties without affecting the mask.

By using the "Set First Vertex" tool, you're creating a mask directly on the Null object layer without it being linked to the content within the Null object. This allows you to move the content independently of the mask.

[GoGraphix]

Awesome! Thanks for the tip, much appreciated 🙂