How to animate a mask path in After Effects

Animating a mask path lets you create reveals, transitions, and morphing cutouts that transform over time.

Steps to animate a mask path

Select your layer and press MM (double M) to reveal all mask properties.

Timeline in After Effects with Mask properties visible

Click the stopwatch next to Mask Path to set your first keyframe at the current position.

Timeline in After Effects with a Mask Path keyframe visible

Move the playhead forward, adjust the mask points with the Selection Tool or Pen Tool, and After Effects automatically adds new keyframes as you move. The mask animates smoothly between those positions.

Layer in After Effects timeline with animated mask path keyframes

One more thing

Keep your mask point movements consistent — large jumps between keyframes can look jagged and unnatural. Add more keyframes if you need smoother transitions.

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How to animate a mask path in After Effects

Steps to animate a mask path

One more thing

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