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December 22, 2025
Answered

Simplest way to make this shape into a mask

  • December 22, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 496 views

I'm trying to use the Video Copilot: Saber effect on this shape, but I'm under the impression it first must be turned into a mask. 

 

One guide I followed had me use the auto-trace but that created like 30 keyframes that wound back and forth. Is there a simpler way to make this exact shape? It seems so simple, and because I don't truly understand masks, I don't understand why I can't just copy/paste this somewhere, haha.

 

Thank you!

 

shape path.png

Correct answer Warren Heaton

Select the path and paste the path.

For example, expand Shape > Contents > Shape 1 > Path 1 > Path, then select Path and choose Edit > Copy (command C, Mac; control C, Windows).  If a Mask isn't already applied to the Layer receiving the copied Path, select the Layer and choose Layer > Mask > New Mask.  On that Layer, expand Masks > Mask 1 > Mask Path.  Select Mask Path and then choose Edit > Paste.(command V, Mac; control V, Windows).

2 replies

Warren Heaton
Community Expert
Warren HeatonCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
December 22, 2025

Select the path and paste the path.

For example, expand Shape > Contents > Shape 1 > Path 1 > Path, then select Path and choose Edit > Copy (command C, Mac; control C, Windows).  If a Mask isn't already applied to the Layer receiving the copied Path, select the Layer and choose Layer > Mask > New Mask.  On that Layer, expand Masks > Mask 1 > Mask Path.  Select Mask Path and then choose Edit > Paste.(command V, Mac; control V, Windows).

December 22, 2025

THANK YOU!

December 22, 2025

I only want the "trim path effect" to progress from the bottom left and grow into the top right. Currently it starts in the top right, goes down to bottom left, and returns to top right. Any ideas on how to achieve this?

 

To achieve this mask, I used the auto-trace feature on a shape path I had. See here for more details.

 

(It seems like attached videos don't work right now, so I'll also upload it to YouTube and link it)

 

Thank you!

December 22, 2025

The solution was given to me by just making a way simpler path. Here 

 

Thank you! @Warren Heaton10841144 

nishu_kush
Legend
December 22, 2025

Merging the duplicate thread.


Thanks,
Nishu