Luma Matte
Use the brightness values of one layer to mask another. White reveals, black hides.
Masking
Shortcut: No shortcutIntermediate7 min readQuick Reference
Luma Matte
Adobe After EffectsKeyboard Shortcut
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Where to Find
In the Timeline panel, the Track Matte dropdown offers "Luma Matte" as one of the options. The layer above serves as the
Best Used For
- ▸Creating gradient-based fade transitions
- ▸Traveling wipe effects with animated gradients
- ▸Using footage contrast for creative reveals
- ▸Building dynamic evolving transition effects
Intermediate⏱ 1-2 hours to master
Key Settings
Luma Matte: Brightness maskInverted: Reverse lumaGradient: Smooth transitions
Luma Matte uses brightness values to control transparency — white reveals, black hides, and gray creates partial transparency. This makes it perfect for gradient-based transitions, traveling wipes, and using high-contrast footage as creative masking elements.
Where to Find
In the Timeline panel, the Track Matte dropdown offers "Luma Matte" as one of the options. The layer above serves as the brightness source.
How to Use
- Setup: Place a layer (can be footage, solid, or gradient) above the layer to be masked
- Select: Choose "Luma Matte" from the Track Matte dropdown of the bottom layer
- Brightness: White areas of the matte layer make the bottom layer visible
- Darkness: Black areas of the matte layer hide the bottom layer
- Gray: Creates partial transparency
Pro Tips
- Use a black-to-white gradient as a Luma Matte for smooth fade transitions
- Animate a gradient's position for a traveling wipe effect
- Use footage with high contrast as a Luma Matte for creative transitions
- Apply effects to the matte layer for dynamic, evolving reveals