After Effects CC 2023: How To Use Track Mattes

Solids Folder Basics

Description:
This tutorial will show you how to use the new and improved Track Mattes in Adobe After Effects CC 2023. Track Mattes can be used to place or ‘clip’ objects inside of another layer such as shapes, text, videos, etc.

Footage Used in Tutorials:
Sunset Scene on Envato Elements (affiliate link)

Font used in Video:
Londrina Solid

Keyboard Shortcuts:
F4: Toggle Switches & Modes

Chapters:
00:00 Intro: About the Tutorial
00:17 Version: Adobe After Effects 23.0
00:31 Example 1: Sunset Vector Graphic
01:12 Toggle Switches & Modes
01:29 How To Set Shape Layer As Track Matte
02:31 Track Matte Pickwhip
02:44 Alpha Matte & Inverted Matte
03:19 Example 2: Text Layer Track Matte
03:29 Add Text (Londrina Solid Font)
03:41 Add Footage to ‘Clip’ inside text
04:10 Finishing Touches

 

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

How To Set A Shape Layer (Circle) as a Track Matte AE 2023:

  1. Select a layer or multiple layers
  2. Click on Toggle Switches & Modes to see ‘Track Matte’ column in Layers Panel
  3. Click the drop-down menu in the Track Matte column
  4. Select the Shape Layer (or the layer you want to set as a track matte)
  5. The visibility of the Track Matte Layer (shape) will be hidden automatically
  6. All layers set to ‘Track Matte’ will be confined to the bounds/shape of the layer