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How to combine masks with add and subtract in After Effects

Multiple masks can work together on the same layer — Add reveals more area, Subtract cuts holes out of what’s already visible.

Steps to combine masks with add and subtract

Select your layer and press MM to reveal mask settings.

After Effects layer with a mask

Create a second mask on the same layer. Set the first mask Mode to Add, then set the second mask Mode to Subtract to punch a hole through it.

Layer in After Effects timeline containing multiple masks with different modes

Adjust each mask’s path, feather, and expansion until the combination looks right for your effect.

Composition viewer in After Effects showing overlapping masks combined with Add and Subtract modes

One more thing

For advanced combinations, try Intersect (only the overlap shows) or Difference (excludes the overlap) in the mask Mode dropdown — they give you even more creative control.

Related how-tos

How to animate a mask path in After Effects
How to invert a mask in After Effects
How to use merge paths in After Effects

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