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AEAfter Effects

BAO Mask Avenger 2

by BAO Plugins·Motion Graphics

Images © BAO Plugins. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Mask Avenger 2 stands out in the aescripts library as a native plugin that leans on After Effects' own masking function, which the developer notes runs faster than the previous Mask Renderer approach.

What is BAO Mask Avenger 2?

BAO Mask Avenger 2 is a native After Effects plugin that lets you control mask vertices individually, with the option to work with vertices only or take full control over tangents as well. It uses After Effects' own masking function, which removes the need for Mask Renderer and runs faster. The plugin supports keyframes, easing, expressions and 3D space, and integrates with the Free transform mask tool.

Integrated scripts help with expressions and let you link mask points to Null layers, and mask vertices can be linked to tracker points through a simple pick-whip expression. A smart interpolation mode offers volume conservation based on the gravity center, or an independent keyframable anchor point. The Mask Reader reads position and orientation data of any point along a mask path, while Shape Avenger applies Mask Avenger to shape layers.

A "freeze" mode lets you share a project with users who don't have Mask Avenger installed. The current release improves shape layer compatibility and resolves bugs related to "dynamic" mode through a new baking system.

Who is BAO Mask Avenger 2 best for?

BAO Mask Avenger 2 is best for after Effects artists working with individual mask vertices, tangents, and shape layers.

How much does BAO Mask Avenger 2 cost?

BAO Mask Avenger 2 is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Control mask vertices individually, with optional full control over tangents
  • Uses After Effects' own masking function and runs faster, with no need for Mask Renderer
  • Supports keyframes, easing, expressions and 3D space
  • Integrated scripts for expressions and linking mask points to Null layers; link vertices to tracker points via pick-whip expression
  • Smart interpolation mode: volume conservation based on gravity center, or an independent keyframable anchor point
  • Mask Reader reads position and orientation data of any point along the mask path; Shape Avenger applies Mask Avenger to shape layers
  • "Freeze" mode for sharing projects with users who don't have Mask Avenger

Tags

#After Effects#masks#mask vertices#tangents#shape layers#expressions#motion tracking#BAO Plugins

Frequently asked questions

Which After Effects versions does BAO Mask Avenger 2 support?

BAO Mask Avenger 2 lists compatibility with a wide range of After Effects versions, from CS6 and CC through CC 2014, CC 2015, CC 2015.3, CC 2017, CC 2018 and CC 2019, up to 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. This broad coverage spans older and current releases, so check that your specific installed version falls within this range on the developer's page before installing to confirm it matches your setup.

Can I share a project with someone who doesn't have BAO Mask Avenger 2?

BAO Mask Avenger 2 includes a "freeze" mode designed for exactly this. Using freeze mode, you can share your project with users who don't have Mask Avenger installed. This lets collaborators or clients open the project without needing the plugin themselves. For details on how freeze mode behaves in your workflow, refer to the developer's page and documentation, which cover the plugin's modes in more depth.

Does BAO Mask Avenger 2 work with shape layers?

BAO Mask Avenger 2 offers improved shape layer compatibility, and its Shape Avenger feature applies Mask Avenger to shape layers directly. The current release also resolves bugs related to "dynamic" mode through a new baking system. Alongside masks, this extends the plugin's vertex and tangent control to shape layers, so you can work across both. See the developer's page for specifics on how Shape Avenger fits into a shape layer workflow.

Is BAO Mask Avenger 2 free?

BAO Mask Avenger 2 is listed as free in this catalog. Because licensing terms can change over time, check the developer's page for the current details before you download. The changelog also notes that floating license support was added in an earlier update, so if you need information on license types or activation, the developer's page is the best place to confirm what applies to your situation.

Alternatives to BAO Mask Avenger 2

Also in Motion Graphics for After Effects.

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