Masking an animation to show only where I want it to.

[MEMEM]

Hi!, is masking the way to go?

I have some simple shapes animated - each its own layer.  I want them to pass through the middle of this artwork as shown but not be seen anywhere else.  Is mask the way to go and how to?

Your help is much appreciated.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

A Layer Mask on a Group or a Clipping Mask on a 0% Fill Layer would seem like options. 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

[MEMEM]

Thank you!  I will take a really good look at that later this morning.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

[MEMEM]

Hi c.p.  I don't know how to get my 'shape' into the top of the group 1 header like you have the circle in the top of yours.  Can you help again please?

Myf

[MEMEM]

Still trying to only see the shapes in the middle area and hide the rest.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Did you get it to work as you want? 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

cmd-click the Layer’s icon in the Layers Panel to load its transparency as a Selection and apply it as a Layer Mask to the Group. (edited)