I simulated the gradient using multiple shapes and maybe soft edge

Soft edge works! I should have thought of that. Thanks!

It's just part of a good old T-Cell

Very interesting. I found out about masking and gradients on my own as you know, but It's very useful to learn about this reference problem. While I have yet to experience it because I'm pretty new to references, it's a bit of a phobia. I am embarking on a medical project where some shots have as ma...

I can't seem to find the distribute and align functions: (ex: Distribute vertical centers, align to left edge etc...).

Most still and motion design software offer those. Perhaps a script?

Yes layer comps are very useful. I ll keep that in mind.

Re: try using an image for the gradient instead of the Gradient effect. I tried using the image texture effect and came across the same issue. The smaller circle in front disappeared. Re: In general, I just ignore the display errors since they don't affect the final render. I like to see what I'm do...

As I'm diving back into Moho, and while it's a great program for some things, I am finding a few bugs and already seeing my system lagging with some operations. Therefore in order not to get stuck later on in my project that involves many moving parts, I'm wondering what are the most demanding effec...

It sucks cause without the gradient effect, there s no issue.

That workaround works for that simple example. But unfortunately not in my real project where the mask is actually a group composed of a base shape and another group with other shapes that are to be animated. Even if it worked, which it doesn't (perhaps because my real mask is a group), duplicating ...

Layer A is two circles, one solid one and one gradient just behind it. Layer B should multiply over A and so we should still see the two circles , albeit of different colors.
Currently, the smaller circle disappears.

Go anywhere except frame 0 and render. Do you get the same as in the viewport?

That's right. But it renders fine, which is odd. And my system gets significantly slowed.

It doesn't look correct. You should be able to see the filled circle within the circle.
I think it has to do with the gradient.

Basically, masking will act strange in the viewport when there are bones in the group or above group. I explain the bug here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=18k4F7bCAf-W20X8mhSuuk0BgbT3fSpMd&usp=drive_fs And here is the file: https://drive.google.com/open?id=18UUJJIdLpH0El9HoBpgm8Ivy3k7LicPK&a...

Thanks a lot for the detailed answer Greenlaw.

I'll try using those conventions, and remember you words of caution. Luckily there isn't too much rigging in my particular project.

Ok, Thanks Haya