Apple Motion 4 User Manual
Page 1183
The shape is converted into a mask. If the layer to which the mask is applied is not centered
in the Canvas, the position of the mask will be slightly offset. This is because the position
of the converted mask is dependent upon the original position of the shape relative to
the center of its parent group.
Note: If the object receiving the mask has previously been scaled, when converted to a
mask, the shape will automatically be scaled too, which may produce unexpected results.
To convert a shape to a mask on a scaled object, you may want to first set the object to
100% scale or put the clip into a new group and convert the shape to a mask on the
group instead.
Note: Converting a shape that has been manipulated in 3D into a mask may produce
unexpected results as the shape must be collapsed into a 2D approximation of the 3D
shape before it is applied. For more on applying masks to 3D objects, see
.
To convert a shape to a mask on a group
1
Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).
2
In the Layers tab, drag the shape onto the group layer and pause, holding down the
mouse button. When the drop menu appears, choose Move Mask To Group.
To convert a shape to a mask on the enclosing group
1
Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).
2
In the Layers tab, select the shape object and do one of the following:
• Drag the shape onto the group layer and pause, holding down the mouse button.
When the drop menu appears, choose Move Mask To Group.
• Choose Object > Convert Shape to Mask.
To convert a shape to a mask on another shape
1
Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).
2
In the Layers tab, drag the shape object onto another shape object and pause, holding
down the mouse button.
A drop menu appears.
3
Choose Add Mask To Shape.
The shape is converted into a mask on the other shape.
Note: Spline masks are not applicable to 3D paint strokes. The Local 3D checkbox must
be deselected in the Stroke pane of the Shape Inspector for the drop menu to appear.
To convert a shape to a mask on a particle emitter or replicator
1
Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).
1183
Chapter 17
Using Shapes, Masks, and Paint Strokes