AfterEffects

Create a Bezier shape or mask using the Pen tool

You can create a Bezier mask using the Pen tool on a selected layer in the Composition panel or Layer panel. You can create a shape with a Bezier path using the Pen tool on a selected shape layer in the Composition panel. If you draw with the Pen tool in the Composition panel with no layer selected, you create a shape on a new shape layer.

Creating a RotoBezier path is similar to creating a manual Bezier path. The primary difference is that direction lines for vertices and curvature for path segments are automatically calculated.

Create a manual Bezier path using the Pen tool

  1. With the Pen tool selected and the RotoBezier option deselected in the Tools panel, click in the Composition panel where you want to place the first vertex.
  2. Click where you want to place the next vertex. To create a curved segment, drag the direction line handle to create the curve that you want.
    To reposition a vertex after you’ve clicked to place it but before you’ve released the mouse button, hold the spacebar while dragging.

    The last vertex that you add appears as a solid square, indicating that it is selected. Previously added vertices become hollow, and deselected, as you add more vertices.

  3. Repeat step 2 until you are ready to complete the path.
  4. Complete the path by doing one of the following:

    • To close the path, place the pointer over the first vertex and, when a closed circle icon appears next to the pointer , click the vertex.

      Note: You can also close a path by double-clicking the last vertex or choosing Layer > Mask And Shape Path > Closed.

    • To leave the path open, activate a different tool, or press F2 to deselect the path.

Draw straight manual Bezier path segments with the Pen tool

The simplest path that you can draw with the Pen tool is a straight line, made by clicking with the Pen tool to create two vertices. By continuing to click, you create a path made of straight line segments connected by corner points.

Clicking with Pen tool creates straight segments.

  1. Place the Pen tool where you want the straight segment to begin, and click to place a vertex. (Do not drag.)
  2. Click again where you want the segment to end. (Shift-click to constrain the angle between segments at the corner point to a whole multiple of 45°.)
  3. Continue clicking to set vertices for additional straight segments.

Draw curved manual Bezier path segments with the Pen tool

You create a curved path segment by dragging direction lines. The length and direction of the direction lines determine the shape of the curve.

Shift-drag to constrain the angle of the direction lines to whole multiples of 45°. Alt-drag (Windows) or Option-drag (Mac OS) to modify only the outgoing direction line.
  1. Place the Pen tool where you want the curve to begin, and hold the mouse button down.

    A vertex appears, and the Pen tool pointer changes to an arrowhead.

  2. Drag to modify the length and direction of both direction lines for a vertex, and then release the mouse button.
    Drawing the first vertex in a curved path

    A.
    Positioning Pen tool

    B.
    Starting to drag (mouse button pressed)

    C.
    Dragging to extend direction lines

  3. Place the Pen tool where you want the curved segment to end, and do one of the following:

    • To create a C‑shaped curve, drag in the direction opposite from the direction that you dragged the previous direction line, and then release the mouse button.

      Drawing the second vertex in a curved path

      A.
      Starting to drag

      B.
      Dragging away from previous direction line, creating a C curve

      C.
      Result after releasing mouse button

    • To create an S‑shaped curve, drag in the same direction as the previous direction line, and then release the mouse button.

      Drawing an S curve

      A.
      Starting to drag

      B.
      Dragging in same direction as previous direction line, creating an S curve

      C.
      Result after releasing mouse button

  4. Continue dragging the Pen tool from different locations to create a series of smooth curves.