The Pen Tool : Adobe After Effects basics Tutorial

The Pen Tool

Adobe After Effects basics Tutorial at Creative COW

Eran Stern
http://www.sternfx.com
Israel

©2009 CreativeCOW.net. All rights reserved.

Article Focus:
Useful tips for working with the pen tool, controlling masks and rotoscoping with After Effects.

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Comments

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Re: The Pen Tool
by Isaac Brillant

Todah rabba. mamash neheneiti. Thanks!

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Re: The Pen Tool
by Lorne Smith

Thank you for taking the time to explain the mysteries of the pen tool. It is nice to know that people are willing to share knowledge and make the learning process for us newbs a little easier!

Whether you think you can or you can't - you are right ... Henry Ford

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Thanks
by steve martin

Thanks once again Eran.

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Great Tute!
by Alan Tonn

Hello Eran. I have been a AE user for a while now, and i am always learning new stuff. mostly because of you and a few others in the AE Community.

i am working on something and i was wondering if you or someone could answer a question. i have a mask that i am trying to "reverse" the direction on. i have tried the set first vertex thing, but it keeps automatically closing the path. in thinking about it, it doesnt really matter i am trying to "reveal the original" and in the place where it closes the path there is nothing to reveal. but, why does it do this, and how do i get it to not do it? any and all help appreciated.

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kids too like you !!
by baran cg

hi eran !! i really liked this tutor.from above that Wat lovely modulation do u have.i feel like even a young kids will start working in ae.especially cozy of your peppy voice they make get sit & watch even if you are teaching it long hrs.
only few people have ability to take control of others(make one get attracted )one is you..
"its very tough to attract a kid but your voice can do magic even to attract them"

wish you all the best

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Wonderful!
by Zak Ray

As someone just getting into AE, the simplicity of this tutorial (while covering complicated topics) is a very welcome thing!

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Nice
by Jim Brahos

I always learn something new from you no matter how basic the subject. And the fact that you always make me laugh at least once keeps me coming back.
Thanks

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Thanks
by Eran Stern

Hi Daniel, thanks for the additional Tip - I think I mentioned that if you hold down CMD/CTRL it'll let you move the point after you drew it. You can also use the Space Bar to get the same behavior. This is a good point because it also works in Photoshop and Illustrator when creating masks or selections. Thank you for your warm words, I'm glad to hear my stuff is helping you :-)

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Tip
by Daniel Coutinho Ferreira

Hi Eran! Great tips on masks! I didn't know about the Rotobezier technique. There's another one I find really useful that you didn't mention on the tutorial: when you have the pen selected, you can click and hold the mouse and than move the point to a better location pressing down the SPACE BAR before letting the mouse button go. It's sort of a mix between the Hand tool and the Pen tool! It's useful when you start drawing and miss the exact spot - you can correct it before moving to the next vertex. That works with rectangular and elliptical masks, too! Again, congratulations on the tutorial, I never miss your AE tips!

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