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How to use alpha mattes in After Effects

Alpha mattes use transparency to reveal layers — the transparent parts of your matte layer show the layer beneath it.

Steps to use alpha mattes

Select the layer you want to reveal (like a video).

Selecting a layer in the After Effects

In the Timeline, look for the Track Matte column. Choose the matte source layer — something like text or a shape.

Selecting Alpha matte option in the After Effects Track Matte column

Your video is now revealed through the exact shape and transparency of the matte layer.

After Effects composition viewer showing text used as an alpha matte for video reveal

One more thing

You can invert the matte using the Invert button right next to the Alpha/Luma button if you need the opposite effect.

Related how-tos

How to use luma mattes in After Effects
How to track matte in After Effects
How to combine masks with add and subtract in After Effects

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