How to Create Masks in Adobe Premiere Pro

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Choose Your Workspace

Navigate to Window > Workspaces > Editing to access the Effect Controls panel.

2. Create an Opacity Mask

Open the Opacity controls and locate three mask creation icons: ellipse, four-point polygon, and pen tool. The pen tool offers the most precise control.

3. Invert the Mask

Check the Inverted checkbox. Adjust feathering, size, and placement for seamless blending.

4. Place Your Second Clip Underneath

Position replacement footage on Video Track 1. Use Motion coordinates to align precisely.

Common Applications

Screen Replacements

When proprietary information appears on monitors or devices, masking allows you to hide or replace that content.

Color Grading and Effects

You can apply masks to Lumetri Color to restrict color adjustments to specific image regions.

Compositing and Duplication

Create scenes where the same performer appears multiple times using masks and layering.