Which tool in After Effects allows you to draw a path or create a custom mask?

The Pen Tool in After Effects is specifically designed for creating custom paths and masks. This powerful tool allows users to click to create anchor points and adjust curves between them, enabling precise control over the shapes and lines drawn. It is particularly useful for defining intricate masks that can be animated or used for various effects, such as isolating elements in a composition or creating animated shapes.

While other tools like the Brush Tool and Shape Tool serve their own unique purposes—such as painting or creating basic geometric shapes—the Pen Tool stands out because of its ability to accommodate complex designs and custom paths. The Selection Tool, on the other hand, is primarily for selecting and manipulating existing layers or objects rather than drawing or creating them. Therefore, the Pen Tool is the most suitable choice for tasks that involve drawing paths and crafting custom masks in After Effects.