Copy, paste or move masks

Last updated on Mar 9, 2026

Learn how to copy, paste, or move masks between clips and effects to save time and maintain consistency across your video project in Adobe Premiere.

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Follow along with any project to learn how to copy and paste masks and effects.

Cut, copy, clear, or paste masks

You can manage masks using the Contextual menu, the Edit menu, or keyboard shortcuts:

To use the contextual menu, in the Effect Controls panel or the Program Monitor, right-click a mask and select from CutCopyPaste, or Clear.

Note

These commands apply to all currently selected masks.

Alternatively, when a mask is selected, you can use the Edit menu to choose from the CutCopyPaste, and Clear commands. 

If you want to use keyboard shortcuts, the standard Cut, Copy, and Paste shortcuts can also be used when masks are selected.

Paste masks

To paste a mask, you must first select the effect to which you want to paste the mask.

Copy or cut one or more masks.

Select the target effect in the Effect Controls panel.

Use Paste from the contextual menu, the Edit menu, or a keyboard shortcut to apply the mask to the selected effect.

Move masks between effects

You can move masks using the contextual menu or the Edit menu, with the following limitations:

  • Unassigned Masks can only be moved to Opacity.
  • Masks on effects (including Opacity) can only be moved back to Unassigned Masks.

Drag and drop masks

You can also move masks by dragging them in the Effect Controls panel:

  • Drag selected masks from Unassigned Masks to the desired effect.
  • Drag masks applied to an effect (including Opacity) back to Unassigned Masks.
Tip

Right-click in the Program Monitor and choose Edit Properties to open the Effect Controls panel.

Right-click menu in the Program Monitor showing Edit Properties, with Effect Controls visible on the left.
Use Edit Properties in the Program Monitor to quickly access the Effect Controls for the selected clip.