Adjust mask properties

Last updated on Jun 23, 2025

Learn how to use the Effect Controls panel to specify values to adjust a mask and stylise your video.

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Follow along with any project to learn how to adjust the masks applied to your video.

In the Effect Controls panel, you can fine-tune a mask by adjusting its feathering, expansion, opacity, or even inverting it, giving you creative control to stylize your video just the way you want.

Before you begin

Create a mask and apply an effect to it.

The editable properties of a mask can vary depending on the type of effect used in the mask. In this example, the Gaussian Blur effect is used.

  1. Select the mask, and then select Window > Effect Controls panel. In the Effect Controls panel that opens, you'll find mask properties listed under the video clip or effect to which the mask is applied.

    In the Effect Controls panel, the properties of the Camera Blur effect are displayed when the mask is selected in the Program Monitor.
    When you select a mask in the Program Monitor, the Effect Controls panel displays the associated effect properties for adjustment.

  2. To feather the mask, specify a Mask Feather value. The feathering guide appears around the mask as a dashed line. Drag the handle away from the feathering guide to increase the feathering or toward the feathering guide to decrease it.

  3. To adjust mask opacity, specify a Mask Opacity value. The slider controls the mask opacity. At a value of 100, the mask is opaque and blocks out any underlying area of the layer. As you lower the opacity, more of the area under the mask becomes visible.

  4. To expand the mask, specify a Mask Expansion value. Positive values move the borders outward, and negative values move them inward. You can also drag the handle away from the expansion guide to expand the mask area or toward the expansion guide to contract the mask area.

  5. To invert the mask, select the Inverted check box to reverse the masked and unmasked areas. You can protect areas that you want to leave as-is by masking it and select the Inverted check box to apply effects to the unmasked areas.

    As you edit these properties, you can see the changes to your video in the Program Monitor.