Masking & Tracking
Create masks to isolate effects or corrections. Track masks to moving objects for dynamic compositing and selective adjustments.
Advanced Tools
No shortcutAdvanced14 min readQuick Reference
Masking & Tracking
Adobe Premiere ProKeyboard Shortcut
N/A
Toolbar Location
Tools panel — advanced editing group
Best Used For
- ▸Fine-tune clip timing without changing source footage
- ▸Create multi-camera edits from multiple angles
- ▸Replace clips while preserving effects and position
Advanced⏱ 1–2 hours to master
Key Settings
Create mask:Draw mask:Feather:Track:
Masking & Tracking lets you create custom masks (oval, rectangle, or freeform) to isolate effects to specific areas. The built-in tracker follows masked objects as they move, keeping effects locked to the subject.
Where to Find It
In the Effect Controls panel, click the mask icons (Oval, Rectangle, Pen) to create masks on any effect parameter.
How to Use
- Create mask: Select a clip, open Effect Controls, click the mask icon for the effect you want to isolate.
- Draw mask: Use the Pen Tool to draw a custom mask shape, or use the Oval/Rectangle presets.
- Feather: Adjust Mask Feather to soften the mask edges for natural blending.
- Track: Click the Track Forward button to automatically track the mask to a moving object.
- Refine: Adjust mask path keyframes if the tracker loses the object.
Pro Tips
- Use masks for selective color grading — apply the Lumetri effect to a clip, mask the subject, and grade only that area.
- Track forward first, then track backward if the forward track drifts — this often improves accuracy.