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Dec 22, 2025 12:50 AM UTC
Answered

Simplest way to make this shape into a mask

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!

 

871081iFA4A1D3D190B4391.png

Warren Heaton
Warren HeatonCorrect answer
Community Expert
Dec 22, 2025 5:21 AM UTC

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).

6 replies

Warren Heaton
Community Expert
Warren HeatonCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
Dec 22, 2025 5:21 AM UTC

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).

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Dec 22, 2025 5:38 AM UTC

THANK YOU!

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Dec 22, 2025 2:59 AM UTC

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!

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Dec 22, 2025 5:40 AM UTC

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

 

Thank you! @Warren Heaton10841144 

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nishu_kush
Legend
Dec 22, 2025 2:38 PM UTC

Merging the duplicate thread.


Thanks,
Nishu

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