In this video lesson, you’ll learn how to
use mask layers in SmartSHOW 3D.
They will help you create eye-catching animation
effects for your photo slideshows.
Launch the program, click on the Storyboard
with the right mouse button and insert a blank slide.
Open the slide editor and choose a suitable
background from the built-in collection.
Add your photo to the slide and push the Stretch
button.
Now let’s add a mask layer.
There’re hundreds of ready-made presets
to choose from.
Pick the one you like and add it to the slide.
Select the layer to apply the mask to.
This time it’ll be the photo.
Using the layer settings, you can also invert
masks and blur their edges.
Let’s create stunning animation using the
chosen layer mask.
For a start, place the layer mask outside
the slide borders.
This position is fixed in keyframe #1.
Add keyframe #2 to the timeline and drag the
mask to the slide so that it shows the main
part of your photo.
Add keyframe #3 and keyframe #4 where the
mask will become smaller and then bigger.
To change its size, click the Magnifying lens button.
When you’ve finished editing the slide,
preview your animation!
Now let’s create a cool animation effect
using your own mask and two photos at once.
Click Add Layer > Mask Layer and add your
image or clipart.
Apply the mask to both photo layers and start
working on their animation.
In keyframe #1 make the mask small so that
the photo is almost invisible.
Add keyframe #2 and increase the mask size.
Now the viewer will be able to see the photo.
In keyframe #3 decrease the mask size again.
Restore the mask size in keyframe #4 and rotate
it by 90 degrees.
Preview your animation.
The upper photo should gradually disappear.
To do it, create two more keyframes.
Don’t change any settings for keyframe #2.
Set the Opacity level at 0 for keyframe #3.
Now the viewers can see the second photo.
Maks layers are perfect for creating animation
effects for multi-photo slides.
Here, for example, you can see three photos
that follow one another.
Let’s add an oval mask to the slide and
apply it to all the photos.
Click Play to make sure the animation works
properly.
You can also make your photos move across
the slide.
Switch to the Camera Animation tab and place
the photos outside the slide borders.
You can do it using the Position arrows.
In keyframe #2 the photos will appear on the
slide, move to the bottom and grow bigger.
Add keyframe #3 but don’t change any settings.
In keyframe #4 move the photos to the right.
Once again, don’t apply any changes in keyframe
#5.
Position the photos at the slide center and
increase their size in keyframe #6.
Watch your mask-powered animation in action.
