I wasn't planning on getting the latest edition of the software, as I have last year's version (as well as an older version of Pro X) but got a tempting update offer and demoed just to see if I would be missing anything...

Much to my surprise, I actually ended up buying... mainly due to the new cookie cutter feature (which I think is great!) as well as contemplating the extra opportunities with OFX plugins etc. CUDA still works for me too! (not to open that can of worms, others not so lucky apparently) so I am quite pleased to be refreshing my video editing hobby with some new options.

The other main new addition though (the mask generator) I don't really understand the idea of? The manual is very vague and just runs through what each setting does in matter-of-fact ways- like referring to transparency and amounts etc. But what is the intended purpose of this function in general? Is it for making proper masks from layers to use for effects? Or as an adjustment to existing mask layers to fine-tune them etc? As I say, I read the manual, tried a Google and experimented etc, but didn't exactly work out how/why it would be used. Whereas the new cookie-cutter I instantly saw the use of and found it very intuitive too... Especially useful when you think about key-framing the shape changes etc.

Anyway, does anyone have a proper understanding of the mask generator feature? Maybe I am overlooking the obvious or expecting more than it is intending to offer. I know the obvious answer is "It is for generating masks!!11" but, then, like it is not really generating broad or accurate masks, from what I can tell, not many options etc. Though again, I don't know if it is intended for subtle detail, or adding to other masks, or what... But regardless, I am enjoying the new version and just wanted to share my experience and see what others have to say on this...