How to cut an image in Alight Motion: Step by step

If you're one of those who edit videos like a 21st-century artist, you’re surely already familiar with Alight Motion. This editing app has revolutionised the way we create visual content on mobile. You no longer need a powerful computer or complex programmes to work magic with images, transitions, or layer effects. But one of the most common questions users—both beginners and advanced—ask is how to cut an image in Alight Motion without it looking off or affecting the project’s composition.

And no, cutting an image isn’t simply about cropping its edges. In Alight Motion, you can do it in many ways: simple crop, mask, vector path, or even using keyframes to animate dynamic cuts. So if you’ve ever wondered why your crops don’t come out as neat as those in the tutorials, stay with us as we solve that step by step. 🎯

What It Means to Cut an Image in Alight Motion

When we talk about cutting an image in Alight Motion, we’re not merely referring to cropping it as you would in a photo app.

Cutting an image here can involve:

• Reducing its size by eliminating unwanted parts.
• Creating a mask so that only a specific section is visible.
• Splitting an image into two parts for animated effects.
• Adapting it to a specific shape, such as a circle, star, or any custom figure.

This process is fundamental for generating professional effects, removing background elements, or simply enhancing the visual appeal of your content.

“The difference between an amateur video and a professional one often lies in a good image cut. Literally.”

First Step: Import the Image Correctly

Before cutting, you need to have the image in your project. It might seem obvious, but often the error starts from the very beginning:

1. Open Alight Motion and tap the icon “+” to create a new project.
2. Choose the dimensions, frames per second, and background of the project.
3. Tap the “+” icon at the bottom left and select “Image”.
4. Select the image from your gallery.

Make sure the image has good resolution, as a crop can make defects more noticeable if it is pixelated.

How to Cut Using the Crop Tool

The most basic way to cut an image is through the crop option.

It is ideal when you simply want to remove edges or centre a specific area.

Steps for Using the Classic Crop

1. Select the image on the timeline.
2. Go to the options panel on the right and tap “Crop”.
3. Edges will appear which you can drag to adjust the visible area.
4. Once you’re happy with it, tap the “✔” to save your changes.

This method is perfect for quick adjustments, though it is limited if you’re after complex shapes or greater precision.

How to Cut an Image with a Shape Mask

One of the most powerful tools for cutting an image in Alight Motion is the mask function. It allows you to display only a specific part of the image, in any shape you desire.

Steps to Apply a Mask

1. Add your image to the project.
2. Then, add a new shape (circle, rectangle, star, etc.) that will serve as the mask.
3. Ensure that the shape is positioned above the image.
4. Select both elements (the image and the shape) by long-pressing one and then the other.
5. Tap the “Group” button and then choose the “Mask” option.

Now the shape will act as a frame, and only the portion of the image inside it will be visible. Perfect for creating cropped portraits or focus effects! 🔍

A well-used mask can hide your mistakes... or make you look like a design genius.

Advanced Cropping with Keyframes

What if you want the image to be gradually cropped during the video? That’s where keyframes come in!

How to Animate a Cut with Keyframes

1. Select the image and apply an initial crop using the crop tool.
2. Activate the keyframe icon (diamond) at the start of the video.
3. Go to a later point on the timeline and adjust the crop values.
4. When you play back the video, you’ll see the image being progressively cropped.

This trick is brilliant for dynamic transitions, gradually revealing objects, or even for glitch effects.

Using Crops to Create Split-Screen Effects

One of the most creative uses of image cutting is creating split-screen effects.

You can cut several images and position them side by side or in different arrangements to create an animated collage.

How to Create a Split-Screen

1. Import several images into the project.
2. Crop each one using the crop tool or mask so that it fits into its section.
3. Position them strategically: top, bottom, left, or right.
4. You can add animations so that they appear in synchrony or with a “slide” effect.

This style works brilliantly in music videos, dynamic presentations, or social media reels. 📱

Tip for Cutting Images into Custom Shapes

Do you want to crop your image into a custom shape, such as a silhouette or an unusual vector figure? This can be achieved by combining shapes with masks:

1. Draw your custom shape in another app, such as Ibis Paint or Photoshop Touch, and save it as a PNG with a transparent background.
2. Import that shape into Alight Motion.
3. Use that image as a mask to crop the original image.

This method gives you complete freedom to create unique crops that match your style or the video’s content.

Common Mistakes When Cutting Images and How to Avoid Them

As with all editing, a poorly executed crop can ruin the final result. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid:

• Excessive cropping: If you crop too much, you lose important details.
• Poorly positioned masks: Ensure that the shape is properly aligned with the image so that no areas are left empty or overlapping.
• Low resolution: If the image is enlarged after cropping, it may become pixelated.
• Lack of keyframes: Not using keyframes when you want progressive cuts can make the animation appear abrupt.

Editing doesn’t forgive... but you can try as many times as you need until it’s perfect!

Tips for Cutting Images Like a Professional

To ensure your cuts look truly professional, follow these tips:

• Combine crops with shadows or borders to add depth.
• Experiment with blurring to highlight cropped areas.
• Use contrasting backgrounds so that the crop stands out more.
• Save your favourite shapes as templates if you use them frequently.

With a bit of practice, your cuts will cease to look like preschool snips and will become digital art. ✂️

What to Do If You Can't Cut an Image

Sometimes Alight Motion may encounter issues when cutting images. If the crop option doesn’t appear or you can’t group elements, try these solutions:

• Update the app to the latest version.
• Check if you are using a compatible image (preferably in PNG or JPG).
• Restart the app or the device.
• If you are on Android, ensure that the app has permission to access storage.

And if none of these work, uninstalling and reinstalling is the classic “cartridge blow” of the 2000s. 😅