Copying a mask in Premiere Pro is straightforward. Right-click the mask's name in the Effect Controls panel, then select "Copy." Next, go to the target clip and apply the same effect (if needed). Right-click within the Effect Controls panel on the new effect and choose "Paste." This will apply the copied mask to the new layer or clip.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Locate the Mask: Identify the clip containing the mask you wish to copy. Open the Effect Controls panel to view the applied effects and their masks.
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Select and Copy the Mask: Click on the name of the mask within the Effect Controls panel. Right-click on the selected mask name and choose the "Copy" option. Do not try to copy from the video preview window directly; copy from the Effect Controls panel.
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Apply the Effect (if necessary): Navigate to the clip where you want to apply the copied mask. If the same effect is not already applied to the target clip, add it. This ensures a compatible structure for pasting the mask.
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Paste the Mask: In the Effect Controls panel of the target clip, right-click within the effect's parameters area. Then select "Paste" to apply the copied mask.
Important Considerations:
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Matching Effects: The process works most reliably when both clips have the same effect applied. If you are copying a mask from an effect like "Gaussian Blur" with a mask to a clip without the same effect applied, you need to first apply the "Gaussian Blur" effect to the second clip.
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Mask Keyframes: This method copies the mask’s current state, including keyframes. If your original mask has animation, the animation will be copied as well.
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Alternative Method (for similar clips): If your clips are very similar and you have spent a considerable time creating a mask for one, consider using the "Motion Tracking" features of Premiere Pro to save time rather than directly copying the mask for identical effects.
