# Shapes and masks

> Add shape items, draw custom paths with the pen tool, and use any shape as a clip mask.

Formats Studio docs · Creative tools · https://formats.app/docs/shapes-masks · Updated 2026-09-27

## Add a shape

- Open **Library** › **Shapes** and click a shape to add it at the playhead, or drag it onto a specific track.
- Built-in shapes: **Rectangle**, **Circle**, **Ellipse**, **Triangle**, **Star**, **Polygon**, and **Heart**.
- A new shape lands sized to the canvas and selected, ready to position and style.

## Style a shape

| Control | Notes |
| --- | --- |
| Type | Switch between the seven shape types. |
| Fill | A solid color or gradient fill. |
| Stroke W. / Stroke | Outline width (0–50 px) and its color (shown when width is above 0). |
| Cap / Join | Stroke endings and the way connected stroke segments meet. |
| Trim Paths | Start, End, and Offset controls for drawing only part of a path. |
| Taper | Start and end widths for a tapered stroke. |
| Radius | Corner rounding (0–100 px) for rectangle, triangle, star, and polygon. |
| Points / Inner R. | Number of points and inner radius, for star and polygon. |
| Direction | Which way a triangle points. |

> **Tip:** Position, size, rotation, and opacity live in the Transform controls, and most values can be keyframed — see [Keyframes](https://formats.app/docs/keyframes).

## Draw a custom path with the pen tool

1. In **Shapes**, choose the **Pen** tool to draw a custom path shape.
2. Click in the preview to place points; click and drag a point to pull out curved (bezier) handles.
3. Backspace removes the last point, and Escape cancels.
4. With at least three points, choose **Finish Shape** to commit it (or **Cancel**).

> **Note:** To reshape a path later, select it and use **Edit Path**: drag points and handles, double-click an edge to add a point, and convert a point between **Corner** and **Bezier**. Choose **Done** when finished.

## Use a shape as a mask

1. Place the shape on a track **above** the clip you want to mask.
2. In the Shape section, turn on **Use as Mask**.
3. Choose a **Mask Type**: **Clip** for hard edges, or **Alpha** for soft edges.
4. For an Alpha mask, adjust **Feather** to soften the edge; use **Invert** to hide the shape area instead of revealing it.

> **Note:** A mask affects everything on the tracks below it, by the shape geometry. Feather applies only to Alpha masks — Clip masks stay hard-edged.

> **Warning:** While you edit a mask or draw with the pen, the rest of the editor is locked — finish or exit mask editing to continue.

## Related

- [Clip properties](https://formats.app/docs/properties): Transform, crop, opacity and blend, and the type-specific controls for each kind of clip.
- [Effects and looks](https://formats.app/docs/effects-color): Apply quick Looks, stack GPU effects, import LUTs, and isolate corrections.
- [Keyframes](https://formats.app/docs/keyframes): Animate transform, crop, text, effect, and audio values with keyframes and ready-made animations.