Before you start: which version you need
In January 2026 Adobe renamed Premiere Pro to Adobe Premiere, starting with version 26.0, and introduced the new masking tools. Adobe's help pages still label Object Masking as beta, so if you don't see the tool, update Premiere, or install Premiere (Beta) from the Creative Cloud app.
The first time you use it, Premiere downloads the model it needs. You'll see the progress in the Progress panel, and the tool is ready once it finishes.
Try it: what Object Mask does
Here's the idea in a simple scene. Click to mask the person, drag through the frames to watch the mask follow, then try the effects.
Step 1: Select your subject
- 1Select the clip
Click the clip in your timeline, and move to a frame where your subject is clearly visible.
- 2Choose the Object Mask tool
It's in the toolbar on the left of the screen.
- 3Hover and click
Move over the Program Monitor. Premiere highlights what it can select. Click your subject.
- 4Not highlighted?
Draw a rough rectangle or lasso around it instead. Switch between the two at the bottom of the Program Monitor.
Step 2: Refine the mask
Use the + button to add to the mask and the – button to remove from it. Hold Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows) to switch between them temporarily. Click a whole highlighted object to add or remove it, or draw around part of one.
Step 3: Track the mask through the shot
In the Effect Controls panel, use Track Mask Forward and Track Mask Backward. Premiere follows your subject through the clip. Starting in the middle of the shot and tracking both ways usually gives the cleanest result.
If the mask slips on a few frames, go to those frames, refine with + and –, and track again from there. For several people, add a separate Object Mask for each one.
Step 4: Feather and expand the edges
Feather softens the edge so the mask blends in. Mask Expansion grows or shrinks the mask, which helps when an edge is cutting into hair or leaving a halo. Small amounts go a long way.
Four things to do with an Object Mask
Perfect for patient privacy in clinic videos, or anyone who didn't agree to be filmed.
- Mask the face with the Object Mask tool and track it.
- Drag Gaussian Blur from the Effects panel onto the clip.
- In Effect Controls, use the mask with the Gaussian Blur so it only affects the face.
- Raise Blurriness until the face can't be recognized.
Makes your subject pop, for a dramatic moment or a reel.
- Mask your subject and track it.
- Drag Lumetri Color onto the clip and set Saturation to 0.
- Use the mask with Lumetri Color, then turn on Invert Mask so only the background turns gray.
Remove the background without a green screen.
- Mask your subject and track it.
- Drag the mask into the Opacity section in Effect Controls. Everything outside it disappears.
- Put a new background on the track below, and refine with Feather.
A popular look for titles in reels and promos.
- Duplicate the clip onto the track above.
- On the top copy, mask the person and drag the mask into Opacity.
- Add your text with the Type tool on the track in between. The person now stands in front of the words.
Keep your masks with your project
Premiere saves Object Mask data in a folder called "[Project name] Masks", next to your project file. If you move or share the project, move that folder with it. Otherwise the masks show as offline until you locate the folder.
Common questions
Where is the Object Mask tool in Premiere Pro?
In the toolbar on the left of the screen. If you don't see it, update to the latest Adobe Premiere, or install Premiere (Beta) from the Creative Cloud app.
How do I track a mask in Premiere Pro?
Select the mask in the Effect Controls panel and use Track Mask Forward and Track Mask Backward. Refine any frames where it slips and track again.
How do I blur a face in Premiere Pro?
Mask the face with the Object Mask tool, track it, then apply Gaussian Blur and use the mask so the blur only affects the face.
Why are my Object Masks offline?
Premiere stores Object Mask data in a "[Project name] Masks" folder next to the project. If the project was moved without it, locate that folder when Premiere asks.
