First Vertex and Target Mask

First Vertex and Target Mask

The Reshape tool heavily relies on the First Vertex to
determine which point on the source mask corresponds to
which on the destination mask. In this morph example, it
is easiest to duplicate the source mask to create the destination
mask to automatically satisfy the two criteria most
essential for a smooth Reshape effect:
. Placement of the First Vertex corresponds on both
masks
. Each mask has the same number of points
If either is not fulfi lled, Reshape will execute some notso-
nice compensatory measures, probably deforming the
in-between frames in undesirable ways. The easiest solution
is usually to duplicate the source mask and edit it, keeping
the same number of points. The next easiest method
would be to draw a new mask with the same number of
points, in the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise),
and to set the First Vertex where you need it (by
context-clicking on the mask and choosing Select First
Vertex from the menu).
To draw a new mask, go to the Layer viewer and choose
Masks from the View menu. If the layer has a mask, a Target
menu appears along the bottom of the viewer (Figure 7.11).
Choose the mask you want to replace from this menu and
draw or paste a new one. If the Mask Path has keyframes,
it will deform from the previous mask shape to the new
one, and if the First Vertex and vertex direction match, the
transition will be clean.