Strobe Writing - Mask Layer - Page 5

Adding the Mask Layer

Now it is time to make the Mask layer. A mask layer contains a shape through which anything in the layer underneath it appears. In this case, the "shape" is text. The changing images on the layer below the letters pass through them after the movie has been published. Until then, the letters will appear normal. The "shape" or letters in this case become windows to the layer beneath the letters' layer.

With your right mouse button click on “Writing Mask” and choose “mask” from the list of options. You should now have an arrow to the left of the words “Writing Mask” pointing down to “Images.”

Choose the writing tool. Change the font so that it is a preferably a full, thick, and clear font. I have chosen Rockwell Extra Bold. You also want to choose a large font size. Mine is 58. Not only that, I rescaled the text making it taller. The pictures strobe through the letters so if they are too thin, you may lose some effect. That being said, play around with it - you never know!

Make sure the text is centered directly on top of the image underneath it. On the “Writing Mask” Layer timeline, right click on the frame directly above the last frame used in the “Images” Layer and choose “Insert Frame.”