Question 1

What is the best way to paint directly on video in After Effects?

Accepted Answer

The best way is to use the Brush Tool inside the Layer Panel, not the Composition Panel. Make sure your video layer is selected and you're working in Custom or Write-On mode to animate strokes.

Question 2

How can I use the paint tools in After Effects to remove objects from video?

Accepted Answer

Use the Clone Stamp Tool to sample nearby pixels and paint over the object. For better results, combine it with motion tracking to ensure the paint stays in place.

Question 3

Can I animate paint strokes in After Effects?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Set your Duration to Write-On in the Paint panel. This creates animated strokes that gradually reveal themselves across time using keyframes.

Question 4

Is painting in After Effects good for rotoscoping?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The Brush Tool can be used for frame-by-frame masking in a process called rotobrushing. It’s ideal for stylized cutouts or manual object isolation.

Question 5

How do I make painted masks in After Effects?

Accepted Answer

Paint directly onto a solid layer or video layer using the Brush Tool, then set the stroke to Stencil Alpha or Alpha Matte in the timeline to turn it into a mask.

brush tools

Mastering Paint Tools in After Effects: The Ultimate Guide to Painting on Video & Effects