Track Matte
Use one layer to control the transparency of another. Create complex reveals and text effects.
Masking
Shortcut: No shortcutIntermediate11 min readQuick Reference
Track Matte
Adobe After EffectsKeyboard Shortcut
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Where to Find
In the Timeline panel, look for the Track Matte dropdown next to each layer. The layer above must serve as the matte sou
Best Used For
- ▸Creating video-filled text effects
- ▸Complex reveal animations
- ▸Gradient-based fade transitions
- ▸Professional text animation workflows
Intermediate⏱ 1-2 hours to master
Key Settings
Alpha Matte: Transparency-basedLuma Matte: Brightness-basedInverted: Reverse matte
Track Mattes let you use one layer's transparency or brightness to control another layer's visibility. This is perfect for creating video-filled text effects, gradient wipes, and complex reveals. Track Mattes are more flexible than masks for many professional animation scenarios.
Where to Find
In the Timeline panel, look for the Track Matte dropdown next to each layer. The layer above must serve as the matte source.
How to Use
- Setup: Place the matte layer directly above the layer you want to mask
- Alpha Matte: Uses the matte layer's transparency (alpha channel)
- Alpha Inverted Matte: Reverses the alpha matte
- Luma Matte: Uses the matte layer's brightness — white reveals, black hides
- Luma Inverted Matte: Reverses the luma matte
Pro Tips
- Use Luma Matte with text layers for elegant text-on-video reveals
- Animate the matte layer for moving reveals
- Use track mattes instead of masks when you need more complex control
- Track mattes are essential for professional text animation workflows