If you're working with Boris FX Sapphire 2025.5, there's a powerful new feature you shouldn’t overlook: pre- and post-effect masking. This update might seem small just, a dropdown menu option, but it has a huge impact on how your visual effects behave and blend with your footage.

In this quick breakdown, we'll explore what pre- and post-effect masks are, how they work, and why choosing the right one can make or break your VFX shot.

What Are Pre- and Post-Effect Masks?

Masks are fundamental in VFX. They let you isolate or protect parts of an image. But where you apply that mask before or after the effect is just as important as the mask itself.

Starting in Sapphire 2025.5, you now have two options:

• Post-effect masking: The effect is applied first, and the mask is applied after.
• Pre-effect masking: The mask is applied first, and then the effect is added only to the masked area.

This gives you more control over compositing and how your subject integrates with the visual effect.

Shake Effect: Hard Cutouts vs. Seamless Integration

Let’s take the Sapphire Shake effect as an example.

When you apply a post-effect mask, you’ll notice a hard-edge cutout. The image shakes as a whole, and then the mask crops it. This can look very intentional, like a stylized pop-out.

But if you switch to a pre-effect mask, the mask is applied before the shake. Now, only the masked subject is shaken, and the result feels more integrated and organic. This is especially useful when you want your VFX to blend in rather than stand out.

Kaleidoscope Effect: A Creative Comparison

The Kaleidoscope effect offers a perfect visual to see the difference.

• With a pre-effect mask, your masked subject (like a fish) gets kaleidoscoped. It becomes a key part of the trippy visual.
• With a post-effect mask, the kaleidoscope effect is applied to the whole image, and then the masked shape cuts through it. This gives a cutout-style composite, layering the kaleidoscope behind or around your subject.

It’s not about right or wrong; it’s about what suits your creative intent.

Not All Effects Support It

One important caveat: not every Sapphire effect supports pre- and post-effect masking.

For instance, the Blur effect skips this option entirely. If you’re wondering why it’s missing or feel a certain effect would benefit from this feature, Boris FX encourages you to share your feedback in the comments.

Know When to Mask

Understanding the difference between pre- and post-effect masks empowers you to:

• Control how effects are layered and composited
• Choose between stylized hard cuts or subtle blending
• Work more efficiently with tools like Shake, Kaleidoscope, and beyond

So next time you're in Sapphire, take a second to explore that Apply Mask dropdown. It might completely change your shot for the better.

Want to dive deeper into Boris FX Sapphire? Explore the full Sapphire feature set here.

Sapphire (Avid)

Sapphire (Avid) offers over 270 effects and 3,000+ presets to help you create stunning, cinematic visuals. From lens flares and glows to photorealistic blurs and light leaks, Sapphire brings top-tier creativity to your workflow. Featuring Mocha-integrated tracking for precise masking and a powerful Effect & Transition Builder, it's fully compatible with Adobe, Avid, and other major platforms.

• Annual Subscription
• Upgrade & Support Renewal
• New License (includes 1 year of Upgrade & Support)

Shop Now

Sapphire (Avid/Adobe/OFX)

Sapphire (Avid/Adobe/OFX) is a premium VFX plugin packed with 270+ effects and 3,000+ presets to elevate your visuals. Create cinematic looks with lens flares, light leaks, glows, and realistic blurs. With Mocha-powered tracking and masking, plus the Sapphire Builder for custom transitions, it’s a must-have for editors and motion designers. Fully compatible with Adobe, Avid, and other major hosts.

• Annual Subscription
• Upgrade & Support Renewal
• New License (includes 1-year Upgrade & Support)

Shop Now

Sapphire (Adobe/OFX)

Sapphire (Adobe/OFX) delivers industry-leading VFX tools with 270+ effects and 3,000+ presets for creating stunning, professional-grade visuals. Add cinematic touches like lens flares, light leaks, glows, and photorealistic blurs with ease. Powered by Mocha’s integrated tracking and masking, Sapphire ensures precise control, while the Sapphire Builder lets you design custom effects and transitions from scratch. Compatible with Adobe, Avid, and other leading OFX-supported platforms.

• Annual Subscription
• Upgrade & Support Renewal
• New License (includes 1-year Upgrade & Support)

Shop Now