how to make a stroke around a masked object in after effects

Now, highlight the compound path and photo, then select Object > Clipping Mask > Make: Compound PathsĪs you saw, compound paths combine all selected paths into one.

We can convert it to one path by highlighting Lily and selecting Object > Compound Path > Make (Command>8). Luckily, compound path allows several paths to be combined into one path. You will notice that anchor points appear on each letter - they can be moved and edited individually: To convert text to outlines, click on Type > Create Outlines (shift>command>O) or by right clicking on the text and selecting Create Outlines.Įach letter has now become an object that can be edited but not like regular text. First, I converted the text to outline so each letter can be edited. In this case, I want to edit the letters individually. When dealing with clipping masks, you will often find that either the clipping path or object underneath needs to be altered to fit together. Lily’s name needs to be altered so that her image fits nicely. You will notice that everything disappears except what is inside of the clipping path (Job’s name).Ĭool and easy, huh? Using Two or More Clipping Paths Once the images are properly arranged, click on Object > Clipping Mask > Make. You can expand the layer view to see the text and object image separately: In one layer, I have put Job’s name on top of his swimming photo. Right click: highlight all objects and select Make Clipping Mask.Layer Panel: Make/Release Clipping Mask icon at the bottom.Drop down Menu: Object > Clipping Mask > Make.To start, we will do a clipping mask for Job.Ī clipping mask can be made in a few different ways: The objects we are going to clip will be images of them swimming. In this demo, the clipping path will be the text of their names, Lily and Job. Clipped objects must be in the same layer or group.īy now you might be thinking… “What? I’m a visual learner.” Well I am too… so let’s demonstrate.However, one or more objects can be clipped.The clipping path must always be on top of the object you’d like to clip.However, the object below it can be anything – a raster photo, vector drawing, etc.Ī few things to note about clipping masks: A clipping path can only be a vector object, not a photo. What is a Clipping Mask?Ī clipping mask is a shape (called a clipping path) that masks any object below it, so only what’s inside of the clipping path is visible. Job and Lily have a love for professional swimming and we are going to use one of Illustrator’s brilliant design tools to show off their skills - the clipping mask.

Aloha, designers! Please meet Community Director, Jason Aiken’s sweet and totally-cute dogs, Job and Lily.

How to make a stroke around a masked object in after effects