Adobe After Effects CC 2023: How To Cycle Through Mask Modes

Description:
This tutorial will show you how to quickly cycle through mask modes using keyboard shortcuts in Adobe After Effects CC 2023.

Problem:
When drawing a mask using a Shape Tool, the image disappears.

Solution:
Press N for ‘None’ Mask Mode to reveal the entire layer while drawing out Masks.

Keyboard Shortcuts Used:
M: Reveal Mask Path
MM: Reveal All Mask Properties
Spacebar: Move Mask position while drawing

Mask Modes:
A: Add
N: None
S: Subtract
I: Intersect
C: Lighten
D: Darken
F: Difference

Chapters:
00:00  Intro: About This Tutorial
00:25  How To Draw A Mask
01:01  Issue: Image Disappears When Drawing Mask
01:23  How To Reveal All When Drawing Masks
01:43  Cycling Through Mask Modes
02:19  Deleting & Re-drawing Masks
02:29 Mask Keyboard Shortcuts
02:45  Recap: N for None + Mask Modes
03:07  Change Mask Modes Manually

Software Used:
Adobe After Effects CC 2023 (Click To Try or Buy)

How To Draw A Mask Using Shape Tools:

  1. Select Layer
  2. Go to Shape Tool
  3. Select Ellipse or other shape
  4. Click and drag out a Mask
  5. Hold Shift to draw perfect circle
  6. Press SpaceBar to Move Mask while drawing

How To Cycle Through Mask Modes:

  1. Select Layer
  2. Go to Shape Tool
  3. Select Ellipse or other shape
  4. Tap N for ‘None’ to reveal all
  5. Tap A for ‘Add’
  6. Tap S: Subtract
  7. Tap I: Intersect
  8. Tap C: Lighten
  9. Tap D: Darken
  10. Tap F: Difference