In this segment we are going to discuss masking and editing layers and solids. We are going to mask off or cut out parts of the solids to create a shape. The following steps will illustrate how to do it.

1. Create a 1920 x 1080 comp
2. Create a new solid layer layer | New solid or Ctrl + Y or  command + Y for macOS
3. Make the solid yellow

Look at the top right at your tool bar. Under the Rectangle Tool you have a variety of masking shapes to edit your solid. These are the masking tools that ships with aftereffects. You can choose a Rectangle Tool, a Rounded Rectangle Tool, an Ellipse Tool, A Polygon Tool, or Star Tool:

We are going to practice using an ellipse tool to cut out our shape:

1. Choose the Ellipse Tool
2. Choose where you want to create your shape
3. Click and drag

When dragging these tools the mask may stretch. If you don't want that, hit Shift while dragging. That will create a perfect shape.