Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this lesson, you will learn how to use Track Mattes which are similar to Layer Masks but Track Mattes use the alpha channel (transparency) or luminance values (brightness) of one layer to reveal or hide parts of another layer.
Exercise Files:
https://dub.sh/aeugfiles
1. Introduction to Track Mattes
1. Comparison with Masks:
1. Masks are tied directly to a layer; if the layer moves, the mask moves.
2. Track mattes are independent layers; multiple layers can use the same track matte.
2. Types of Track Mattes:
1. Created using shape tools, pen tool, text, videos, images, solids, and graphics.
2. Creating Track Mattes
1. Ensure no layers are selected when creating the track matte layer.
2. Example: Creating a circle shape layer as a track matte.
3. Terminology:
1. Track matte layer: The layer used as the mask.
2. Fill layer: The layer whose content is shown or hidden by the track matte.
3. Track Matte Modes
1. Alpha Matte:
1. Uses the transparency (alpha channel) of the track matte layer.
2. Opaque parts show the fill layer; transparent parts hide it.
3. Can be inverted to show the opposite.
2. Luma Matte:
1. Uses the brightness (luminance) of the track matte layer.
2. Bright parts show the fill layer; dark parts hide it.
3. Can be inverted to show the opposite.
4. Enabling Track Mattes
1. Enable modes in the Layers panel:
1. Right-click in the header, go to Columns, and check Modes.
2. Click the button to expand/collapse the transfer controls pane.
2. Four parts to the Track Matte column:
1. Pick whip: Drag to select a layer as a matte.
2. Dropdown: Select a track matte layer.
3. Alpha/Luma Matte selection.
4. Invert option.
5. Applying Track Mattes
1. Example: Using a circle shape layer as a track matte for a blue background.
1. Select the fill layer (blue background) and choose the track matte (circle shape layer).
2. The track matte layer visibility is automatically hidden once assigned.
3. Switching between Alpha Matte and Luma Matte using the columns.
4. Inverting the matte to change the reveal/hide behavior.
6. Advanced Track Matte Techniques
1. Example: Using a gradient for Luma Matte.
1. Light parts show the fill layer; dark parts hide it.
2. Inverting the matte for opposite effect.
2. Example: Using animated textures as fill layers within a shape.
1. Multiple layers can use the same track matte.
7. Practical Examples
1. Putting Video Inside Text:
1. Text layer as the track matte; video as the fill layer.
2. Independent movement of text and video layers.
2. Creating Text Animations:
1. Text layer as the fill layer; shape layer as the track matte.
2. Animating the track matte to reveal or hide text.
3. Inverting the alpha matte for reverse reveal.
8. Animating Track Mattes
1. Example: Creating a simple reveal animation using a rectangle track matte.
1. Animate the position of the track matte to reveal text.
2. Reverse the direction by adding keyframes and adjusting timing.
3. Applying Easy Ease (F9) to smooth the animation.
In this lesson, you will learn how to use Track Mattes which are similar to Layer Masks but Track Mattes use the alpha channel (transparency) or luminance values (brightness) of one layer to reveal or hide parts of another layer.
Exercise Files:
https://dub.sh/aeugfiles
1. Introduction to Track Mattes
1. Comparison with Masks:
1. Masks are tied directly to a layer; if the layer moves, the mask moves.
2. Track mattes are independent layers; multiple layers can use the same track matte.
2. Types of Track Mattes:
1. Created using shape tools, pen tool, text, videos, images, solids, and graphics.
2. Creating Track Mattes
1. Ensure no layers are selected when creating the track matte layer.
2. Example: Creating a circle shape layer as a track matte.
3. Terminology:
1. Track matte layer: The layer used as the mask.
2. Fill layer: The layer whose content is shown or hidden by the track matte.
3. Track Matte Modes
1. Alpha Matte:
1. Uses the transparency (alpha channel) of the track matte layer.
2. Opaque parts show the fill layer; transparent parts hide it.
3. Can be inverted to show the opposite.
2. Luma Matte:
1. Uses the brightness (luminance) of the track matte layer.
2. Bright parts show the fill layer; dark parts hide it.
3. Can be inverted to show the opposite.
4. Enabling Track Mattes
1. Enable modes in the Layers panel:
1. Right-click in the header, go to Columns, and check Modes.
2. Click the button to expand/collapse the transfer controls pane.
2. Four parts to the Track Matte column:
1. Pick whip: Drag to select a layer as a matte.
2. Dropdown: Select a track matte layer.
3. Alpha/Luma Matte selection.
4. Invert option.
5. Applying Track Mattes
1. Example: Using a circle shape layer as a track matte for a blue background.
1. Select the fill layer (blue background) and choose the track matte (circle shape layer).
2. The track matte layer visibility is automatically hidden once assigned.
3. Switching between Alpha Matte and Luma Matte using the columns.
4. Inverting the matte to change the reveal/hide behavior.
6. Advanced Track Matte Techniques
1. Example: Using a gradient for Luma Matte.
1. Light parts show the fill layer; dark parts hide it.
2. Inverting the matte for opposite effect.
2. Example: Using animated textures as fill layers within a shape.
1. Multiple layers can use the same track matte.
7. Practical Examples
1. Putting Video Inside Text:
1. Text layer as the track matte; video as the fill layer.
2. Independent movement of text and video layers.
2. Creating Text Animations:
1. Text layer as the fill layer; shape layer as the track matte.
2. Animating the track matte to reveal or hide text.
3. Inverting the alpha matte for reverse reveal.
8. Animating Track Mattes
1. Example: Creating a simple reveal animation using a rectangle track matte.
1. Animate the position of the track matte to reveal text.
2. Reverse the direction by adding keyframes and adjusting timing.
3. Applying Easy Ease (F9) to smooth the animation.
