After Effects Apprentice: 05 Creating Transparency

Demonstrates the most common techniques for adding selective transparency to layers in After Effects.

Introduction

• Overview
• Software versions and exercise files

1. Masking 101

• Creating basic mask shapes
• Using advanced parametric shapes
• Basic mask shape editing
• Masking in the Layer panel
• Working with mask parameters
• Animating masks
• Creating vignettes

2. Free-Form Masking

• Masking with the Pen tool
• Editing a mask path
• Using RotoBezier masks
• Targeting masks for animation
• Setting the first vertex point

3. Variable-Mask Feathering in After Effects CS6

• The basics of variable-mask feathering
• Exploring variable-mask feathering options
• Exploring visual effects applications

4. Managing Multiple Masks

• Exploring mask modes
• Fading mask opacity

5. Masks and Effects

• Using targeted treatments
• Compositing options in After Effects CC
• Filling mask shapes
• Following mask paths

6. Track Mattes

• Using alpha mattes
• Grouping track matte pairs
• Working with luma mattes
• Animating mattes

7. Stencils

• Using Stencil Luma
• Using Stencil Alpha
• Using effects with stencils
• Stacking stencils

8. Mask Tracking in After Effects CC

• Rigid Mask Tracker
• Face Tracker

9. Quizzlers

• Quizzler challenges
• Quizzler solution one: One word at a time
• Quizzler solution two: Stroke drawing direction

10. Sidebars

• Idea corner one: More masks and effects
• Understanding track matter rendering order
• Exploring mask interpolation
• Idea corner two: Transition effects
• Idea corner three: Sequenced layers as mattes