Masking
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Masking is the process of creating a 'mask' around a piece of footage to only show a specific part of it. Most modern editors are capable of this in some way.
Usage
In General
Masking is a simple process that is easy to learn but hard to master.
- Take the footage you want to mask, on the exact frame you wish to mask it. Make sure not to move the timeline until the mask is done!
- From here, enter your editor's masking window; this varies depending on what you use.
- Click on the point you want to start masking. Then, follow the outline of your object by clicking to create lines around it. The more you make, the better the mask will be (but the longer it will take!) On many editors, clicking then dragging will create a Bezier curve, allowing for curves in the mask.
- The mask is finished once you click on the first point again. There you go!
Once the mask is created, there are many things you can do with them. The most common are inverting the mask (so that everything inside the mask is hidden rather than outside) and softening the mask (adding a blur to the otherwise jagged edges).
In Vegas
In Premiere
To create a mask in Premiere, you have to select the effect layer to apply the mask to first. The default "Opacity" effect is generally what you want, this controls what is shown and what isn't. However, you can also apply these masks to effects, canceling out their effect on the mask. Be careful!
From there, simply click each point along your object to create the mask. When the mask is complete, it will show up under the effect it applies to.
In After Effects
Hit the "M" key to enter the masking tool ("V" to return). From there, it works the same as in Premiere. After Effects also allows for motion tracking and rotoscoping masks.
Alternatives
Cookie Cutter
Cookie Cutter is a vegas plugin that creates "cookie cutter" patterns on a frame, creating easy (albeit primitive) masks. While not as useful for specific masking, it can be combined with other pieces of footage for cool shape patterns and designs. Was very popular in the early days of tennis.
Rotoscoping
A more "advanced" form of masking, rotoscoping is the process of drawing, rather than tracing, the mask. Certain tools like After Effects allow you to track motion with a rotoscope mask, creating very quick, easy, and effective masks. This is a common technique for more "professional" studios.
Keying
Keying is the process of masking via color rather than shape. See more about it here.