Alpha Matte
Use the transparency (alpha channel) of one layer to mask another. Perfect for text reveals.
Masking
Shortcut: No shortcutIntermediate7 min readQuick Reference
Alpha Matte
Adobe After EffectsKeyboard Shortcut
—
Where to Find
In the Timeline panel, the Track Matte dropdown offers "Alpha Matte" as one of the options. The layer above must have tr
Best Used For
- ▸Filling text with video footage
- ▸Creating text-shaped reveals
- ▸Animating logos through text masks
- ▸Building elegant title sequences
Intermediate⏱ 1-2 hours to master
Key Settings
Alpha Matte: Transparency maskInverted: Reverse alphaMatte Layer: Not rendered
Alpha Matte is the go-to technique for filling text with video footage. By using a text layer's alpha channel to mask a video layer, you create professional-looking video-in-text effects. This technique is widely used in title sequences, commercials, and motion graphics.
Where to Find
In the Timeline panel, the Track Matte dropdown offers "Alpha Matte" as one of the options. The layer above must have transparency.
How to Use
- Setup: Place a layer with transparency (like text) above the layer to be masked
- Select: Choose "Alpha Matte" from the Track Matte dropdown of the bottom layer
- Result: The bottom layer becomes visible only where the top layer has non-transparent pixels
- Preview: The matte layer icon changes to indicate it's being used as a matte
Pro Tips
- Use text layers as alpha mattes for video-filled text effects
- Animate the matte layer's position for moving reveals
- Combine with gradients for smooth fade-through-text effects
- The matte layer will not render in the final output — only its alpha is used