After Effects Apprentice: 05 Creating Transparency

In this course, Chris Meyer demonstrates the most common techniques for adding selective transparency to layers in After Effects through the use of masks, track mattes, and stencils. In addition to explaining the tools and basic theory behind transparency, the course covers several practical applications for these techniques, including isolating objects, creating vignettes, and filling text with visual texture. Tutorials on crafting custom transitions and other treatments are also included. Exercise files for After Effects CS4 through CC accompany the course.

Learning objectives
Creating masks using parametric shapes or freeform with the Pen tool
Editing and animating masks
Combining multiple masks
Using one layer to define the transparency of others
Explaining the interaction between effects, masks, and mattes
Mastering mask animation