New to AE

[esmooov]

I have two questions that I believe have simple answers. What is the standard size for compositions. I hear that i should use square pixels and like 720 x 540. Is this correct for video. Secondly how do I make an effect only modify part of a picture/video. Like can I mask an effect to restrict what it affects like in Avid with pixelchooser? Thanks

[esmooov]

Perhaps I shoudl clarify. Is there a way that i can mask an effect. Like apply an effect just to one part of video. Additionally could I think track this part of an effect. For instance make a person's eye glow and have the glow follow the eye.

[kappa22]

Standard NTSC DV resolution is 720x480, with a PAR (pixel aspect ratio) of .9, while widescreen has a PAR of 1.333 (I believe). Just to put this in perspective, square pixels have a PAR of 1.0, so DV pixels aren't square.

And secondly, yes, you can definitely do an effect mask in AE. I haven't used to for a long time though, so I am not in a position to give you the best solution.

[Mimik]

esmov there are many ways to create effect only on a part of the image but the one I use most often is create an adjustment layer 'AL' (720x480 or whatever your comp is) create a mask on your AL and then apply effect you desire. Make sure your adjustment layer is always above the layer that you're trying to affect. Hope this helps.

M.

[matthewd5]

buy a book. a great one is by trish meyer, creating motion graphics volume 1

the latest one is out for version 6.5 it covers all the basics with step buy step projects.

matthew

[Mimik]

I second that, trish meyer is writing pretty good books that give you good hands on experience. Once you get the basics, most of the magic will come through practice..the more stuff you do the more you learn and the better you get at it. That's from my experience.