Object mask

Terach wrote on 10/18/2013, 9:28 AM

I'm using MEP 2013 Premium. Is it possible to use masks to show objects? For example, I'd like to have picture in picture with some of the pictures showing through a shape or pictures with faded edges. I know there's effects masks but I'd like to mask without any effect.

I can do this in Photoshop with layer masks but is it possible to do in MEP? At the moment, I'm trying to use two video clips side by side, but I want them to blend smoothly in the middle. I think I've tried everything but I just don't know how to do it (except in Photoshop).

Comments

johnebaker wrote on 10/18/2013, 12:59 PM

You have to use a mask image of some kind.

I use a lot of Alpha masks - which are black and white images, jpg or png, to which you apply the Chroma Key Alpha, Black, or White effect below is a small example of the masks I have created and used in various projects.

John

Terach wrote on 10/18/2013, 1:35 PM

It works! Thank you very much for this information!

Scenestealer wrote on 10/18/2013, 3:44 PM

I recently saw a nice variation to the use of a gradient mask, on a YouTube tutorial for creating a Tilt and Shift / Minature effect in MEP. By selecting the track with the Alpha mask and varying the Brightness and Contrast you can control the area and sharpness of the masks influence (gradient) on the other tracks. Pretty neat!

cpc000cpc wrote on 10/19/2013, 12:40 AM

Handy hint for all you mask users:

If you name your images ending in 'alpha' eg WhiteCircle_alpha.jpg, the alpha effect is applied automatically. Same IIRC with black, white, green etc.

Terach wrote on 10/19/2013, 5:46 AM

Thanks for these great tips!

johnebaker wrote on 10/19/2013, 12:22 PM

Hi ss

Are you referring to this effect (bottom 2 post)

John

Scenestealer wrote on 10/19/2013, 2:06 PM

Thanks John - I remember your posts but had forgotten that you manipulated the brightness to fade out the mask - another good variation. In the case I am referring to, he had a gradient top and bottom and also manipulated the hardness of the gradient with the contrast control.

Nice tip Carl.

Peter