Create Cut or Slice Effects in After Effects

Introduction to the Cut Effect Technique

The cut effect in After Effects is a simple but powerful way to create dynamic visuals by slicing images or text and animating them to move apart. It’s often used in title animations, glitch transitions, or stylized intros. This tutorial shows how to use masks, duplication, and basic animation to achieve this.

Step 1: Create a New Composition

Start by going to Composition > New Composition. Choose your desired resolution and duration. This will be your working area where the slicing effect takes place. Step 2: Import and Position Your Image

Go to File > Import > File, then drag your image into the timeline. Resize and position the image using the Selection Tool (V) or by adjusting the Scale and Position properties in the Transform section.

Step 3: Add Text or Shapes (Optional)

If you want to combine the effect with text or a shape layer, use the Type Tool (Ctrl/Cmd + T) to write your text or press “Q” to draw a shape. Position it where you want the slice effect to happen.Step 4: Create a Mask for Half the Text

Select the text layer and use the Pen Tool (G) to draw a mask over one half of the text. In the Mask settings, make sure the Mode is set to Add so only that part of the text is visible.

Step 5: Duplicate the Text and Adjust the Mask

Duplicate the text layer by pressing “Ctrl/Cmd + D”. On the duplicate, change the Mask Mode to Subtract so it shows the other half of the text. Now you have two halves on separate layers.

Step 6: Animate the Split Effect

Select both text layers and press “P” to reveal the Position property. Set keyframes at the start where both parts are aligned. Then move a few frames forward and change the position so the layers move in opposite directions. This creates the slicing animation. Step 7: Apply the Same Technique to the Image

To slice an image, repeat Steps 4–6. Draw a mask on one half, duplicate the image layer, invert the mask mode, and animate the parts separately for the same split effect.Step 8: Preview the Animation

Press the Spacebar to preview your animation. Adjust mask edges, timing, or motion curves if needed to make the cut feel smoother or more dynamic.

Conclusion

Creating cut or slice effects in After Effects is easy and effective. By duplicating layers and masking different sections, you can animate objects as if they are splitting or being cut apart. This technique works great for titles, logos, images, and stylized intros