Photoshop-like Layer Mask in AE?

#1

I just started getting into After Effects. Watch some videos on Video Copilot and just sort of dove in!

I have a still that I’m bringing into AE. It has three objects I need a 3D render to go in and out of. Basically, behind one, in front of another, and behind a third.

It seems I would need something like a layer mask on the 3D layer to accomplish this, but I’m not sure.

Any input would be welcome.

Thanks.

Bob

#2

There’s different ways to achieve this(if I got you right). The most tedious would be manual masking or rotoscoping, but you acan also use alpha channels and object mattes.

Show us an image of what you got and post more details aout what you want to do.

#3

Hope this makes sense…

My object needs to come from behind rock 1 and land behind rock 2, but in front of the big rock on the left.

It kind of flies up in the air and lands behind rock 2.

Bob

#4

You’d need to duplicate the layer twice. On copy #1 you mask out mountain #1, on copy #2 mountain #2(name them in proper way, there’s nothing worse than having all layers named copy yadayada).
You can use the mask tool directly on the layer to do so.
https://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/using/creating-shapes-masks.html

You object’s layer needs then to be placed above the original’s imgae layer, but bewlow #1 and #2.

#5

OK. Thanks very much!

I was on the right track, but I was doing the masking in Photoshop and I don’t think it was working correctly. I’ll try doing the masking in AE.

Thanks again…very helpful. Thanks for the link, too.

Bob