How Do I Make One Shape Reveal Another Using a Mask in a Motion Graphic?

If you have spent any time watching motion graphics, you have seen shape reveals everywhere. A rectangle slides across the screen and text appears behind it. A circle expands from the center and a logo becomes visible underneath. A wipe transition sweeps from one side and a new scene takes over. All of these effects are built around the same core concept: one shape controls the visibility of another. This technique is one of the most foundational skills in motion design. Once you understand how it works, it opens up an enormous range of creative possibilities, from clean typographic reveals to cinematic transitions to complex layered compositions. This article breaks down how the technique works conceptually, how to achieve it in several tools, and what variations are worth knowing. What Is a Mask in Motion Design? A mask is a shape that controls which parts of another element are visible. Think of it like cutting a hole in a piece of paper and placing it over a photograph. Only the po