Efficient use of the edge refinement tool in After Effects CC

The Edge Refinement Tool in After Effects CC represents a significant improvement for working with the Roto Brush. It allows for more precise and effective editing of mask edges, which is particularly advantageous for moving subjects. In this guide, I will show you step by step how to use the new tool to optimize your compositing projects.

Key Insights

The Edge Refinement Tool in After Effects CC allows you to precisely adjust and refine mask edges. The new function greatly expands the capabilities of the Roto Brush and ensures that you can edit even complex scenes with ease. Make sure to use edge refinement responsibly to achieve the best results.

Step-by-Step Guide

First, open After Effects and load the scene you want to edit. In this case, it is a shot with various hues that is ideal for the Roto Brush. Start with the necessary preparation of your footage.

To use the Roto Brush, click on the layer and select the Roto Brush Tool. The goal is to precisely mask the edges of the objects so you can work optimally with them later.

First, edit the large areas, and then work on the edges. It's important that you don't select the edges too roughly, as this can affect the quality of the edit. Clean editing is key.

Now you can click on the Roto Brush again. The results prioritize the previously edited edges that you have selected. Check the preview option beforehand to get an initial impression of the improvements.

Once you have created your transition frame with the Roto Brush, it's time to use the new Edge Refinement Tool. This tool improves the edges and highlights unwanted blurriness.

Activate the Edge Refinement Tool by double-clicking on the layer and then selecting the feature. A new window will open where you can now refine the edges.

A new crosshair appears, helping you to specifically select the areas that need more editing. You can change the size of the tool by holding down the Alt key or the Ctrl/Command key while dragging with the mouse.

Here you can go around the unwanted edges to edit them specifically. Reduce the size of the tool for finer objects to achieve the best result.

Before saving everything, I recommend making a comparison between the original scene and the edited scene. This way, you can see how much the Edge Refinement Tool has improved the edges.

If you are not satisfied with your adjustments, you can further adjust the edge adjustment parameters in the menu. The parameters are quite intuitive and allow you to adjust the sharpness or softness of the edges.

If you want to enable motion blur, you can do so here as well. This is especially important when working with rapidly moving objects, such as cyclists appearing in the scene.

Once all adjustments have been made, you can review the settings again and save the scene. The application of the new Edge Refinement Tool will significantly ease your work and improve the overall outcome of your projects.

If you're wondering why certain masks don't extend further, you can use the aforementioned icon bar to extend the mask beyond the desired point and continue editing.

Good luck with your upcoming projects and getting the most out of After Effects CC!

Summary – New Edge Refinement Tool in After Effects CC

In this tutorial, you learned how to effectively use the Edge Refinement Tool to optimize the results of your masking in After Effects CC. The ability to edit edges precisely will help elevate your compositing skills to a new level.