How to Mask in Premiere Pro (Step-by-Step Guide)

Trying to blur out a face, highlight a subject, or pull off that classic “video inside text” effect? That’s where masking comes in. It’s one of those tools in Premiere Pro that sounds complicated at first but becomes second nature once you get the hang of it.

Let’s walk through how to mask in Premiere Pro using three different methods: shape masks, the Pen Tool, and tracking.

1. Add an effect that supports masking

Before you can create a mask, you need something to apply it to. Most people use effects like Gaussian Blur, Lumetri Color, or Opacity.

Here’s how:

1. Drag your clip onto the timeline.
2. Go to the Effects panel and search for an effect (like Gaussian Blur).
3. Drag that effect onto your clip.
4. Head over to the Effect Controls panel.

Now you’re ready to create a mask.

2. Choose your masking shape

In the Effect Controls panel (with your clip selected), you’ll see options like:

• Ellipse Mask (a circle/oval)
• Rectangle Mask
• Pen Tool (for custom shapes)

Click one of these icons next to your effect. It’ll instantly draw that shape on your preview window.

You can then:

• Drag the mask around
• Resize it by pulling on the edges
• Feather it out for soft edges
• Invert it if you want everything outside the shape affected

3. Track moving subjects with Mask Path

If your subject moves during the shot, don’t worry. You don’t have to keyframe every frame manually.

Here’s what you do:

1. In Effect Controls under Mask Path, click the play button next to “Track Selected Mask Forward.”
2. Premiere will analyze frame by frame and move the mask automatically.

It’s not perfect every time, but it saves hours compared to doing it manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mask tracking in Premiere Pro?

Mask tracking lets you follow a moving object with a mask over time. After creating a mask on a clip, use the "Track Selected Mask Forward" button under Mask Path in Effect Controls. Premiere will automatically animate its position across frames.

How do I add a face mask in a video?

To blur or highlight a face:

1. Apply an effect like Gaussian Blur.
2. Use an Ellipse Mask over the face.
3. Feather and adjust opacity as needed.
4. Use Mask Path tracking so it follows as they move.
5. Fine-tune if needed after tracking finishes.

How to use the clipping mask tool?

Premiere doesn’t have a traditional “clipping mask” like Photoshop does, but you can mimic it using track mattes:

1. Place your matte graphic above your footage.
2. Apply "Track Matte Key" from Effects.
3. Set Matte layer and choose alpha/luma depending on design.
4. Your footage will now show only through that matte shape.

How to mask with pen tool in Premiere Pro?

1. Select your clip and apply an effect like Gaussian Blur.
2. In Effect Controls, click on the Pen icon next to that effect.
3. Click points around what you want masked.
4. Adjust points as needed for curves or angles.
5. Tweak feathering and expansion afterward for smoother results.

Masking might seem intimidating at first glance, but once you've done it once or twice, you'll start seeing all kinds of creative uses for it, from hiding logos to spotlighting subjects mid-shot. Just take it one step at a time and don’t be afraid to experiment!