Autodesk Flame User Guide

Description

flame 9 user's guide Contents Introduction Summary Welcome to flame Using This Guide Notation Conventions flame Documentation Accessing Online Help Accessing PDF Documentation Loading Sample Setups Contacting Discreet Technical Support What’s New Summary What’s New in flame 9.0 Online Help Action Background 3D Camera Tracking Divide Importing Photoshop Documents into Action Using Proxies in Action Animation Better Access to the Channel Editor and Its Views Improvements to the Channel Editor More Control in the Track Editor View Archiving Archiving Clips with Clip History Remaining Space Displayed in HTML OTOC Batch Processing Custom Node Bins Node Group Display Schematic Notes Outputting Nodes Clip History Clip Library Tools Accessing burn Publish Tool Writing Media to a Framestore Colour Warper Improved Control of Adjustment Curves The Desktop Clip Information Display Search Tools Desktop Preferences Ignore Scan Format Volume Statistics Distort Spline-Based Method to Create Warps and Morphs Schematic for Distort Module Parameters to Refine Effects Created in Distort Integration of Distort Module into Batch Film Clip Management Processing Clips Using 3D LUTs Improvements to the LUT Editor Garbage Masks Improvements to Drawing Garbage Masks New Motion Blur for Garbage Masks Importing and Exporting Media Files Soft Importing Media Importing Adobe Photoshop Files Monitor Calibration Improved Control in LUT Editor Playing and Viewing Clips 3D LUTs in the Player and Image Window Processing and Formatting Commands Changes to the Format Menu Soft Import and Publish Overview Utilities cmtool dlfsdump -fs iminfo movread publishTool StonifiseTool Project Workflow Summary How to Use This Chapter Creating a Project and User Projects User Acquiring Media and Resources Formatting and Organizing Media Pre-Processing and Effects Editing Compositing Animating Effects Batch Processing Outputting the Result Archiving the Project Compatibility Summary About Compatibility Upgrade Compatibility Upgrade Compatibility-Projects Upgrade Compatibility-Clip Libraries Upgrade Compatibility-Archives Upgrade Compatibility-Users Backward Compatibility Backward Compatibility-Projects Backward Compatibility-Archives Backward Compatibility-Setups Editing and Effects Compatibility Sharing Projects Sharing Clip Libraries Sharing Clips Sharing Setups Linux/IRIX Compatibility combustion Compatibility Loading combustion Setups into Editing and Effects Products Loading Editing and Effects Setups into combustion 3ds max Compatibility Starting flame Summary Starting flame Start-up Options Exiting flame Initialising the Tablet Killing Processes Killing All flame-Related Processes Killing Processes Individually Managing Projects and Users Summary About Projects and Users Projects Users Selecting a Project and User on Start-up Creating a Project Setting a Project’s Home Directory Setting the Default Resolution Setting Proxy Management Options Setting the Graphics Processing Bit Depth Selecting the Project Configuration Template Modifying a Project Deleting a Project Managing Proxies Proxy Playback Proxy Processing Regenerating Proxies Extracting Proxies Auto-Connecting Clip Libraries Belonging to Other Projects Creating and Loading a User and Sharing User Preferences Creating a User Saving and Loading Module Preferences Modifying a User Deleting a User Loading Different Projects and Users during a Work Session Loading a Different Project Loading a Different User The Desktop Summary About the Desktop Desktop Layout Desktop Files Using the Pen Buttons Boxes Fields Colour Pots The Message Bar Cursors Selecting Clips to Apply a Desktop Command Selecting Clips to Load Them into a Module Working with Clips on the Desktop Clip Information Collapsing and Expanding Clips Scrubbing a Clip Scrubbing a Reel Going to a Frame in a Clip Locking and Unlocking Reels Locking Clips to Prevent Changes Naming Clips, Reels, and Desktops Naming Clips Naming Reels Naming Desktops Moving, Copying, and Deleting Clips on the Desktop Moving Clips Copying Clips Deleting Clips Deleting Desktops Undoing and Redoing Operations Calculating Values for Numeric Fields Calculating Numbers Calculating Timecode Picking Colours Picking Colours by Setting Colour Model Channel Values Sampling Colours in a Clip Selecting a Colour from the Colour Pots Mixing Colours Using the Colour Palette Searching the Desktop Searching for Clips from the Desktop Searching the Desktop for Matching Frames Navigating the Filesystem Browsing Files Setting Browser Display Options Selecting and Loading Files Setting Desktop Preferences Summary Accessing the Preferences Menu Desktop Preferences Changing User Interface Settings Setting the Keyboard On or Off Enabling Soft Edits Enabling Soft Cuts Setting the Audio Option for Gestural Editing Determining the Calculator Placement Displaying Numeric Indicators Displaying Clip Information on the Desktop Displaying Frame Number or Timecode in Modules Setting Gestural Editing Options Adjusting the Proxy Transparency Scan Format Management Options Proxy Aspect Display Options Default Interpolation/Extrapolation Mode Options Setting the AutoSave Timing Step Offset Desk Cache Changing the Number of Reels on the Desktop Changing the Orientation and Direction of Reels Clip History Clear Undo Buffer Undo Levels Pointer Preferences Menu Library Saving and Removing a Custom Menu Setup Loading a Custom Menu Setup Volume Statistics Playing and Viewing Clips Summary About Playing and Viewing Clips The Player The Image Window Playing Clips in the Player Controlling Playback in the Player Monitoring the Current Location Changing the Player’s Zoom and Pan Settings Monitoring Clips with Audio Setting Player Display Options Setting Playback Resolution and Mode Displaying the Full-Screen Player Setting the Playback Range Playing Clips from Memory Changing the Playback Frame Rate Changing Playback Scan Mode Options Setting Audio and Video Playback Sync Applying 3D LUTs to Clips in the Player Viewing Clips in Modules Controlling Playback in the Image Window Zooming and Panning the Image Window Switching Clip Views Accessing the Player from Modules Setting Image Window Display Options Working with Grids and Guides Displaying the Reference Area Applying 3D LUTs to Clips in the Image Window Monitoring RGB Channels Independently Monitoring Full Frames and Dominant Fields Displaying Multiple Views Managing Hot Keys Summary About the Hot Key Editor Map-to-Button and Functional Hot Keys Hot Key Domains Keystroke Conventions Determining a Button’s Current Hot Key Hot Key Errors Accessing the Hot Key Editor Hot Key Catalogues Editing Hot Keys Editing Local Hot Keys Editing Global and Shared Hot Keys Creating New Local Hot Keys Managing Hot Keys JLCooper MCS-3800 Fader and Knobs JLCooper Controls Saving Setups and Preferences Summary About Setups and Preferences Setups Preferences Accessing Directories Saving, Loading, and Deleting Items Deleting Multiple Items Remaining in the File Browser Setting the Default Preferences Soft Import and Publish Overview Summary About the Soft Import and Publish Workflow Configuring Shared Storage Reading and Writing to the Shared Storage Soft Importing Clips Accessing the Soft Import Tools Writing Soft Imported Media to the Framestore Accessing the Stonifise Tool Publishing Clips to the Shared Storage Accessing the Publish Tool Archiving and Restoring Soft Imported Media Clip Libraries Summary About Clip Libraries Creating Clip Libraries Opening Clip Libraries Saving to Clip Libraries Shortcut for Saving Reels and Desktops Viewing Entries in Clip Libraries Scrolling a Clip Library Changing the View Mode Sorting Entries in Titles and Proxies Mode Expanding and Collapsing Entries in Titles and Proxies Mode Listing Clip Information Selecting Entries Selection Order Searching for Clips Organizing Clips Adding Library Reels and Desktop Entries Moving Entries Copying Entries Renaming Entries Deleting Entries from a Clip Library Deleting Clip Libraries Loading Clips to the Desktop Clearing Desktop Reels Before Loading Clips Loading and Resizing Clips Accessing and Loading Local and Remote Clip Libraries Network Library Structure Network Library Entries Selecting Clip Libraries in Local or Remote Projects Disabling Auto-Connect from Outside the Application Loading Clip Libraries from Other Projects Clip Library Tools Summary About Clip Library Tools Accessing the Tools Menu Removing Timecode Conflicts and Changing Frame Code Mode Consolidating Clips Changing the Scan Mode of a Clip Compacting Clips Recovering Clips from the Framestore Rendering and Unrendering Clips and Proxies Unlinking Media from Clips in Discreet Editing Products Reformatting Clips Handling Clips with Processed Effects Reformatting Unlinked Clips for Recapture Reformatting Examples Recapturing Media Recapturing Media from a VTR Reloading Imported Files Loading Image Files into Video-Based Sources Saving the Tape List or the EDL Relinking Media to Clips Publish Tool Types of Publishing Publishing Options Writing Media to the Framestore Clip Input and Output Summary About Clip Input and Output Specifying the Devices You Are Using Accessing the Input Clip and Output Clip Menus Accessing the Input Clip Menu Accessing the Output Clip Menu Inputting Clips from a VTR Playing and Jogging the VTR Capturing Clips Individually Setting the In- and Out-Timecodes for Input Capturing Multiple Clips Capturing Single Frames Naming the Tape and Clip Outputting Clips to a VTR Outputting Clips Individually Outputting Clips with Letterbox Formatting Setting the In- and Out-Timecodes for Output Selecting Channels for Output Outputting a Reel Outputting Clips in Assemble Mode Adjusting Audio when Outputting Clips Inputting Clips from a VCR, Camera, or Camcorder Outputting Clips to a VCR Inputting and Outputting YUV Material with a VTR Inputting and Outputting Clips with Different Resolutions HD Board 1080 Line Video Timings (Octane2 and Tezro) Inputting and Outputting HD Clips with the DM2 or DM3 Board Hardware Configuration Generating Proxies for HD Material Inputting HD Material Outputting HD Clips Inputting and Outputting from and to Data Tapes Cancelling a Tape Load or Save Operation Using Another Tape Device Inputting Clips Using a Spirit DataCine (Tezro) Setting Engineering Menu Options Accessing the Engineering Menu Engineering Menu Options for the DM2 or DM3 Capturing More than Two Hours of Video (Octane2) Troubleshooting Importing EDLs Summary About EDLs Supported EDL Formats Events, Edits, and Entries Accessing the EDL Menu Creating New EDLs Importing EDLs Importing EDLs at Non-Native Frame Rates Converting EDLs Removing 2:3 Pulldown Fixing Match Frame Errors Loading File-based EDLs Loading ALE Files Editing EDLs Options for Editing EDLs Editing a Tape Name Changing Audio Patching Editing Tracks Editing Transitions Editing Timecodes Editing and Creating Timewarps Ripple Record Auto-Edit Mode Editing Events Adding, Deleting and Hiding Comments Adding and Deleting Titles Editing Colour Source Events Undo List Sorting an EDL Viewing the Tape List Slipping Tape List Timecode Closing EDLs Reopening EDLs Saving EDLs and Tape Lists Auto-Capturing an EDL Preparing to Auto-Capture an EDL Auto-Capturing an EDL Marking Events for Recapture BRoll Detection Selecting and Unselecting Events Capturing Handles Skipping Clips Remaining Capture Time Displaying the VTR Status Setting Up the Auto-Capture Session Auto Ejecting Tapes Automatically Starting a Capture Session Importing Files Using an EDL Assembling EDLs Setting Up Assembly Options Assembling a Single EDL Viewing Captured and Assembled Material Searching EDLs Specifying EDL Preferences Exporting EDLs Summary About Generating and Outputting EDLs Accessing the Export EDL Menu Generating EDLs Selecting Tracks to Include in the EDL Setting EDL Save Options Outputting EDLs Setting Output Options Importing and Exporting OMFi Files Summary About OMFi Files Importing a Clip from an OMF File Changing the Position or Size of the Image Exporting a Clip as an OMF File Exporting Part of an Image Avid Video Resolutions JPEG Compression Importing and Exporting Media Files Summary About Importing and Exporting Media Files Supported File Formats and File Extensions Supported Graphic File Formats Supported Video File Formats Supported Audio File Formats Importing Media Files Importing and Soft Importing Graphics Files Importing Video Files Image Import and Soft Import Options Importing Audio Files Exporting Media Files Exporting Images Files Exporting Video Files Exporting RGBA Files Export Options Exporting Audio Files Importing, Soft Importing, and Exporting in the Background Removing Media Files Archiving Summary About Archiving Archiving and Restoring with Multiple Resolution Projects Archiving Audio Defining Archive Devices in the init.cfg File Accessing the Archive Menu Archive Table of Contents Estimating Archive Size Creating an Archive Creating a VTR Tape Archive Creating a Tape Archive Creating an HDCAM Archive (HD Configurations Only) Creating a File Archive General Tips when Creating Archives Opening an Archive Opening Multiple Tape Archives Saving to an Archive Archiving Entries from a Clip Library Archiving All Projects and Imported Libraries Archiving Entries from the Desktop Archiving Clips with the Same Name Appending Entries to an Existing Archive Loading Entries from an Archive MaxLibrarySize Token Clearing when Loading Loading Entries into a Clip Library Deleting Entries from an Archive Closing an Archive Recovering an Archive Using a TOC to View an Archive Using an ASCII TOC to View an Archive Using an HTML TOC to View an Archive Deleting Tables of Contents Archiving Setups Setting Preferences When Restoring Pre-flame 9.0 Archives Organizing Archives Troubleshooting Utilities Summary About Utilities Disk Testing Utility Command Line Utilities Volume Integrity Check How It Works Forcing a Volume Integrity Check Finding and Deleting Invalid Frames Disk Testing Utility Getting Started with the Command Line Utilities Determining the Utilities Version Gaining Access to the Remote Machine Command Line Parameters Clip Directory Pathname Clip Name Format File Template cmtool Example cmtool Options dlfsdump -fs Syntax Example dlfsdump -fs Options list_framestore Syntax Example to_framestore and from_framestore to_framestore from_framestore Syntax Example to_framestore and from_framestore Options Using 12-Bit Clips Restrictions imcopy Syntax: Example imcopy Options Supported Formats (-f option) iminfo Syntax: Example movcopy Syntax: Example movcopy Options movread Syntax: Example movread Options fcof Syntax Example fcof Options publishTool Syntax: Example publishTool Options stonifiseTool Syntax: Example stonifiseTool Options vstat Syntax Example vstat Options vic Syntax: Example vic Options Mixed Resolution Workflow Summary About Clip Formats Creating a Project Determining the Project’s Delivery Formats Determining the Project’s Source Formats Selecting a Default Resolution Based on Format Information Working with Video Material Setting Video I/O Timing on Start-up Working with EDLs Converting EDLs Capturing EDLs That Differ from the Project’s Default Resolution Assembling EDLs That Differ from the Project’s Default Resolution Managing Video Clips in your Project Working with Film Material Resizing Mastering Multiple Formats Displaying Clip Information Changing Clip Timecode Archiving Mixed Resolution Projects Video Field Management Summary About Interlaced Video Accessing the Video Menu Managing Field Dominance Changing the Scan Mode of a Project Reversing the Field Dominance Changing the Scan Mode Metadata Tag of a Clip Deinterlacing and Interlacing Clips Deinterlacing Clips Interlacing Clips Merging Fields 24p Multi-Master Editing Summary About 24p Multi-Master Editing Pulldown 24p Multi-Master Editing Tools Creating a 24p Multi-Master Editing Project Capturing Film-Based Material Transferred to 60i Video Capturing 60i Material with 2:3 Pulldown Removal Capturing Clips with EDLs Capturing Material from Tapes with Inconsistent 2:3 Pulldown Removing and Inserting Pulldown on the Desktop Monitoring Dual Timecodes and 2:3 Pulldown Outputting 24p Results Outputting a 24p Master with 2:3 Pulldown Insertion Outputting an HD 24p Master to NTSC Outputting a 24p Master to a 24 fps Video Standard Outputting a 24p Master to a 25 fps Video Standard Exporting a 24p Master for Web-Based Delivery Exporting EDLs Film Clip Management Summary About Film Clip Management Working with Standard LUTs Working with 3D LUTs General Workflow for Standard and 3D LUTs Workflow for Custom Standard LUTS Working with Film Grain Using LUTs Created Outside flame Using Standard LUTs Created Outside flame Using 3D LUTs Created Outside flame Applying a LUT on Import or Export Accessing the LUT Editor Accessing the LUT Editor in Batch Viewing Clips in the LUT Editor Viewing Clips in the Import Image Menu’s LUT Editor Viewing Clips in the LUT Editor in Batch Processing Clips with 3D LUTs Defining a Basic LUT Type Editing Standard LUTs Modifying Reference White and Reference Black Values Modifying Highlights and Shadows Modifying the Gamma of the Conversion Curve Modifying the Gamma of the Incoming Film Negative Adjusting the Softclip Values Editing the LUT Conversion Curve Comparing Colour Values Using Colour Patches Saving and Loading LUT Editor Setups Saving LUT Editor Setups Loading LUT Editor Setups Exporting LUTs Managing Film Grain Removing Grain from a Clip Accessing the DeGrain Menu Removing Grain Adding Grain to a Clip Accessing the ReGrain Menu Adding Grain Matching Grain between Clips Accessing the ReGrain Menu for Grain Matching Analysing the Grain in the Back Clip Modifying the Results of the Analysis Adjusting the Grain Size Adding Grain with a Matte Using the Crop Box Saving and Loading Grain Management Setups Monitor Calibration Summary About Monitor Calibration Monitor Calibration Workflow Using 3D LUTs Adjusting the Black Level and Picture Settings Calibrating a Monitor Automatically with a Colourimeter Configuring a Colourimeter for Use with flame Calibrating a Monitor Automatically Measuring Colours Setting Monitor and System Gamma Determining Monitor Gamma Setting the System Gamma Using FilmVis Applying a FilmVis Monitor LUT Modifying Printer Lights Creating a Custom FilmVis LUT Creating Monitor LUTs Creating a Monitor LUT Using the LUT Editor Importing the Monitor LUT Adjusting Monitor LUTs Loading a Reference Image Viewing Monitor Calibration Curves Saving and Loading Monitor Calibration Setups Outputting Film Clips to Video Resize Summary About Resize Accessing Resize Settings and the Resize Module Resizing on Import or in a Clip Library Resizing in the Resize Module Resizing in Batch Resizing from an Import Node Resizing from a Clip Resizing from a Resize Node Resizing from an Output Node Resizing from an Export Node Changing Views in the Resize Module and in Batch Resize Settings Crop Box Settings Destination Settings Resizing from Source Using the Crop Box Resizing to Destination Using the Crop Box Animating Resize Settings Saving and Loading Resize Setups Getting Dynamic Feedback in Result View Processing Clip Handles When Working with Soft Clips Resetting All Resize Settings to Default Values Changing the Appearance of the Crop Box Changing the Colour of the Padding Editing Overview Summary About Editing in flame About Editing on the Desktop About Editing on the EditReel About Editing in the Batch Timeline Editing Operations Table Basic Editing Concepts Soft Edits Source Clip Target Clip and Record Clip Timecodes on Soft Clips Editing on the Desktop and EditReel Summary About Editing on the Desktop and the EditReel Editing Multiple-Resolution Clips Editing on the Desktop Accessing the Editing Menu Cancelling a Command Mode Gestural Editing on the Desktop Editing Video and Audio Simultaneously Cutting Clips Cutting Dissolves and Timewarps Cutting Clips with Audio Tracks Cutting Clips Gesturally Cutting Audio Gesturally Splicing Clips Splicing Clips with Audio Splicing Clips Gesturally Inserting Frames and Clips Inserting Frames Inserting Clips Inserting Clips with Audio Inserting Clips Gesturally Replacing Frames and Clips Replacing Frames Replacing Clips Gestural Splice, Insert, and Replace Edits Matching Soft Clips with Their Source Clips Repeating Frames in a Clip Reversing Frame Order in a Clip Swapping Shots Swapping Shots with Audio Consolidating Clips Committing Soft Clips Force Rendering Clips Force Rendering a Range of Frames Force Rendering a Single Dissolve or Timewarp Force Rendering Entire Soft Clips Editing on the EditReel Accessing the EditReel Selecting a Timeline View Editing Video and Audio on the EditReel Rendering Video in the EditReel Rendering Audio in the EditReel Virtual Sources on the EditReel Playing Audio in the EditReel Undoing Operations EditReel Preferences The Batch Timeline Summary About the Batch Timeline Timeline Editing Operations Suggested Batch Timeline Workflows Accessing the Timeline Setting the Record and Source Clip The Timeline Menu Working with Tracks Changing the Current Track Selecting and Unselecting Tracks Locking and Unlocking Tracks Resizing Tracks Adding and Deleting Audio Tracks Reassigning Audio Channels Muting Audio Tracks Navigating the Timeline Zooming the Timeline Framing a Selected Element Scrolling the Timeline Scrubbing the Positioner Frame Stepping the Timeline Playing or Jogging the Timeline Navigating between Elements Navigating to a Timecode or Frame Navigating between the Source and Record Clip Setting and Using Cue Marks and Segment Marks Displaying Element Information Viewing Information on Individual Elements Viewing Information on an Entire Track Setting Timeline Preferences Setting the Display of Timecodes or Frame Numbers Snapping to Frames or Sub-Frames Setting Match Options Controlling the Frame Numbering of Extracted Material Setting Grid Lines Setting the Autoscroll Speed Saving Timelines Backup Soft Clips Rendering, Committing, and Consolidating Timelines Rendering Timeline Effects Committing Elements Consolidating Segments Editing Basics Selecting Elements in the Timeline Setting Ripple Mode Setting In and Out Points Matching Elements with Their Source Clip Maintaining Sync between Elements Using Virtual Sources in the Timeline Editing Techniques Gestural Editing and Editing with Hot Keys Copying Clips Moving Clips to the Timeline Copying and Moving Subclips Inserting and Overwriting Entire Clips Splicing Clips Extracting and Lifting Elements from a Track Creating a Cut Performing Four-Point Edits Performing Three-Point Edits Replacing Segments Removing Elements from the Timeline Adding Effects to Batch Timeline Segments Copying Effects between Segments Deleting Effects from Segments Dissolves Summary About Dissolves Creating and Modifying Dissolves on the Desktop Accessing the Dissolve Menu Dissolve Menu Options Dissolving between Two Clips Crossfading between Two Clips Creating a Fade-in or Fade-out Creating Complex Dissolves with the Dissolve Editor Mixing Source Clips Creating Dissolves and Splices on the EditReel Converting Dissolves and Splices on the EditReel Modifying Dissolves on the EditReel Creating and Modifying Dissolves in the Batch Timeline Creating a Dissolve on Multiple Tracks Fading to Black or Fading from Black Creating Audio Fades and Crossfades Accessing the Dissolve Editor Dissolve Preferences Removing Dissolves Copying and Pasting Dissolves Rendering Dissolves Trimming Shots Summary About Trimming Types of Trim Operations Effects of Trim Operations Trimming, Sliding, and Slipping Shots on the EditReel Trimming and Slipping Shots Sliding Shots and Transitions Trimming Shots with Audio Trimming, Slipping, and Sliding Elements in the Batch Timeline Trimming Examples in This Section Head, Tail, and Offset Information Using the Trim Cursors Locking Segments While Trimming Linking Transitions and Cuts Keyboard Trimming Trimming Segments Gesturally Trimming Dissolves Trimming Audio Tracks Sliding a Segment Sliding a Splice or Transition Slipping a Segment Trim Cursor Review Timewarps Summary About Timewarps Creating Timewarps on the Desktop Aborting Timewarps and Unrendered Frames Modifying Timewarps with the Timewarp Editor Modifying Timewarps with the EditReel Creating and Modifying Timewarps in the Batch Timeline Constant and Variable Timewarps Explicit and Implicit Timewarps Editing a Constant Timewarp Converting a Clip to a Standard Frame Rate Resetting a Timewarp Removing a Timewarp Copying a Timewarp to Another Segment Editing Timewarps with the Timewarp Editor Strobing a Clip Timewarp Preferences Audio Summary About Audio Supported Audio Formats Working with the AudioDesk Audio Signal Path Accessing the AudioDesk Playing Clips with Audio Linking Audio to a Video Clip Importing Audio Files Exporting Audio Files Recording Audio Record and Playback Options Adjusting EQ Resetting EQ Values Bypassing EQ Values Scrubbing Audio in the AudioDesk Using Default Pan and Assignation Settings Working with Waveforms Timewarping Audio Converting Audio between Different Video Standards Copying and Patching Audio Mixing Down Audio Scrubbing in Modules Working with Audio in Batch Monitoring and Scrubbing Audio in Batch Editing Audio in the Timeline The Audio Menu Scrubbing Audio in the Timeline Viewing Audio Waveforms Muting Audio Adjusting Segment Gain in the Timeline Applying an Audio Timewarp to a Segment Discreet Native Audio Preferences Accessing the Audio Preferences Menu Audio Preference Settings Setting Audio Preferences for Audio I/O Discreet Audio Preferences Player Audio Delays Monitor Sync Box Setting Audio Delay Input Source Input Clocks Audio Rate Box Sampling Rate Audiostore Status Waveform Preferences Audio Network Support Animation Summary About Animation Accessing the Channel Editor Accessing Channel Views from Viewports Creating Animations Setting Keyframes Automatically Setting Keyframes Manually Setting Interpolation Setting Extrapolation Displaying Channels Viewing Channels in a Table Expanding and Collapsing Channels Showing and Hiding Channels Showing Specific Channel Tangents Selecting Channels Automatically Saving and Loading Filter Preferences Framing Channels Defining a Selection Set Panning and Zooming Channels Colouring Channels and Folders Editing Keyframes Copying and Pasting Channels or Keyframes Adding Keyframes Deleting Keyframes Moving Keyframes Snapping Keyframes between Frames Selecting Multiple Keyframes and Channels Changing the Timing of an Animation Changing Keyframe Values Proportionally Changing the Timing or Values of Keyframes Offsetting Channels Simplifying the Number of Keyframes Breaking Keyframe Tangent Handles Resetting a Tangent Handle Modifying the Shape of an Animation Curve Swapping Animation Curves Flipping Channels and Keyframes Removing Jitter from an Animation Curve Applying an Average Controlling the Speed of Objects Creating a Motion Path Modifying Motion Path Speed Moving a Vertex on a Motion Path Working with Motion Path Tangent Handles Creating Animation Sequences Across Nodes in Batch Synchronizing Animations Linking Animation to Several Branches Animation Controls Reference Chn Ctrls Controls Filter Controls User Controls Expressions Summary About Expressions Expression Content Vectors Functions Keywords and Constants Simplified Expressions Working with Expressions in the Channel Editor Linking Channels Copying Nodes with Expressions Cascading Expressions Operator Reference Arithmetic Operators Comparison Operators Operator Precedence Function Reference Animation Functions Slip Functions Simple Mathematical Functions Random Number Functions Rounding Functions Trigonometric Functions Vector Functions Logarithmic Functions Defining Your Own Functions The Functions File Defining a Function Comments Sample Function Definitions Sample Expression Setups Animated Text Spinning Dagger Dagger, Apple and Cherry Dampened Pendulum Batch Overview Summary About Batch Batch Concepts Batch Workflow Accessing the Batch Menu Viewing the Batch Schematic Clip Information Visual Cues Viewing the Batch Schematic Work Area Batch Schematic Notes Multiple Viewports Accessing Modules from Batch Working in Action Creating Animations with the Batch Universal Editor Setting Batch Preferences Batch Processing Summary Assembling a Process Tree Adding Clips to the Schematic Modifying Clips in Batch Adding Nodes to the Schematic Connecting Clips and Nodes Working with Multiple Connections Manipulating Nodes Selecting Nodes Moving Nodes Copying Nodes Deleting Nodes Bypassing Nodes Grouping Nodes Loading a Node’s Setup Undoing and Redoing Operations Previewing Results Viewing Nodes in Context Working with Audio Contexts Caching Frames Sampling LUTs Outputting and Exporting Batch Results Using the Queue Manager Importing and Exporting LUTs Using Scripts Executing Batch from the Command Prompt Batch: Node Reference Summary About Batch Nodes Accessing a Node’s Menu 2D Histogram Node Action Node Indirect Action Layers Direct Action Layers Auto Matte Node Colour Correct Node Colour Curves Coloured Frame Node Colour Warper Node Combine Node Deal Node Degrain and Regrain Nodes DeInterlace and Interlace Nodes Difference Matte Node Distort Node Edge Node Export Node Field Merge Node Filter Node Film Compress and Film Expand Nodes Flip Node GMask Node Import Node Keyer Node Library Node Logic Op Node Luminance Key Node LUT Editor Node Master Keyer Node Matte Curves Node Modular Keyer Node Monochrome Node MUX Node Negative Node Notes Node Optics Node Output Node Resizing Your Output Adding a Timecode to Your Output Paint Node Posterize Node Quick Composite Node Reels Node Resize Node Render-Only Nodes RGB Blur Node Spark Node Clip History Summary About Clip History Enabling Clip History Modifying a Clip in its Last Module Viewing Effect Information for Clips with History Modifying Clip History in Batch Naming Nodes Modifying a Clip in Batch Modifying a Segment Effect in the Batch Timeline Managing Clips with Clip History Managing Sources and Intermediates Searching for Clips with History Deleting Sources and Intermediates Committing a Clip with History Saving and Archiving Clips with Clip History Processing and Formatting Commands Summary Accessing the Processing Menu Simulating the Motion Blur of a Moving Object Examples of Averaging Source Clips Creating Compound Images Flipping Images Using Logical Operations Generating a Difference Matte Using the Auto Matte Command Creating a Monochrome Clip Creating a Negative Clip Modifying the Luma and Chroma of a Clip Creating Coloured Frames Accessing the Format Menu Burning in Timecode Using Separate and Combine Combining RGB Channels in a Clip Separating RGB Channels in a Clip Dealing and Interleaving Clips Dealing Clips Interleaving Clips Colour Corrector Summary About Colour Correcting Accessing the Colour Corrector Accessing the Colour Corrector from Other Modules Hiding the Colour Corrector Menu Viewing Clips Changing Colour Corrector Settings Inverting the Matte Dynamic Updating Changing the Background Brightness Creating a Crop Box Viewing Reference Clips Resetting Colour Corrections Saving Colour Correction Setups and Preferences Colour Sampling Colour Sampling and Processing Order Matching Colours Colour Correcting from the Basics Menu Colour Correcting Shadows, Midtones, and Highlights Adjusting the Hue Adjusting the Saturation Adjusting the Contrast Rewiring the RGB Channels Adjusting the Gamma Adjusting the Gain and Offset Suppressing Colours Adjusting the Colour Balance Adjusting the Colour Range Increasing Image Contrast Reducing Image Contrast Defining Luma Ranges Remapping Colour Values Colour Curves Animating a Colour Correction Processing Colour Changes Colour Warper Summary About the Colour Warper Colour Clamping Accessing the Colour Warper Setting Up Your Work Environment Multiple Viewports Reference Clips Viewing Colour Information with a Vectorscope Viewing Luma Information with the 2D Luma Histogram Colour Correcting All or Part of an Image Cropping the Colour Correction Area Inverting the Matte Interactively Updating Colour Information Resetting Colour Corrections Resetting and Clearing Values Saving Colour Correction Setups and Preferences Using Undo and Redo Sampling Clips in the Image Window Selecting Colour Ranges for Colour Correction Generating Mattes Clearing and Deleting Mattes and Colour Corrections Correcting Colour Imbalances Setting Black and White Levels Removing Unwanted Colour Improving Contrast Adjusting Shadows and Highlights to Improve Contrast Increasing Saturation Improving Contrast Using Gamma Matching Colours in Clips Matching Specific Colours Matching Shadows, Highlights, or Overall Saturation Performing Hue Shifts Creating Colour Casts Readjusting Colour After a Colour Correction Removing Colour Spill Creating Subsetups Storing and Retrieving Subsetups Naming Subsetups Replacing Subsetups Comparing Subsetups Saving and Loading Subsetups Filters Summary About Filters Accessing the Filter Menu Applying a Filter to a Clip Filter Library Customizing Filters Using Matrix Filter Elements Using Procedural Filters Saving Custom Filters Keyer Summary About the Keyer Accessing the Keyer Creating and Refining a Key Generating Mattes Removing Colour Spill Blending Front and Back Clips Removing Grain Removing Unwanted Greys Creating a Key by Extracting a Single Colour Extracting a Primary Colour Extracting a Custom Colour Creating a Key by Extracting a Range of Colours Selecting a Colour Model Trying Out Different Colour Models Setting the Softness Range Setting the Tolerance Range Plotting Colour Values When Adjusting Tolerance or Softness Creating a Key by Setting the Luminance Adjusting the Luminance of the Key Setting the Range of Luminance Values Remapping Black and White Boosting the Key’s Luminance Using Gain and Lift Using the Luminance Curves Refining the Key Modifying the Edges of the Key Blurring Grainy Clips Inverting the Matte Suppressing Colour Spill Blending the Front and Back Clip Colour Correcting the Key Colour Correcting the Result Clip Colour Correcting the Front Clip Animating Your Key Motion Update Additional Keying Techniques Viewing a Key with a Solid Colour Background Cropping the Key Area Resetting Keys Processing Clips Processing Options Modular Keyer Summary About the Modular Keyer Accessing the Modular Keyer Setting Up the Processing Pipeline Modular Keyer Menu About Nodes Working with Nodes Adding Clips to the Pipeline Playing Clips Setting a Context Point Comparing Colours on Different Images Panning the Schematic Cropping the Key Area Backing Up the Key Setup Saving the Key Setup Using Nodes 2D Histogram Node RGB Blur Node Matte Curves Node Colour Curves Node Colour Correct Node Colour Warper Node Difference Matte Node Edge Node Degrain and Regrain Nodes Logic Op Node Luminance Key Node LUT Editor Node Monochrome Node Negative Node Result Node Blend Nodes CBlend Node MBlend Node Adding a Matte to a Blend Node Blending the Front and Back Images of a Layer Using Several Layers in a Blend Node Bypassing Pipes Animation in the Modular Keyer Nodes Placement Table 3D Keyer Summary About the 3D Keyer 3D Keying Workflow Accessing the 3D Keyer Creating a Precise Key Using the RGB Viewer Setting the Tolerance Setting the Softness Removing Noise from Softened Areas Using YUV Softness Removing Grey Areas in the Key Mastering the RGB Viewer Moving, Rotating, and Zooming in on the RGB Viewer Setting the Display of the RGB Viewer Changing the Display of Key Elements Displaying Plotted Points and Regions Selecting Key Elements in the RGB Viewer Controlling Elements with the Directional Arrow Plotting Colour Values Translating, Scaling, and Rotating Key Elements Reshaping the Convex Hull Animating Key Elements Animating the Range of Key Elements Animating the Patch Parameters Resetting a Channel More Keying Techniques Techniques for Adjusting Softness Adjusting Transparencies with Patches Setting 3D Keyer Preferences Auto Key Regen Garbage Masks Summary About Garbage Masks Accessing the Garbage Mask Menu Accessing Garbage Masks from the Keyer Accessing Garbage Masks from the Modular Keyer and Batch Setting Drawing Options Creating Garbage Masks Drawing a Mask Adjusting the Number of Vertices with Lasso Fit Viewing Nodes in the Schematic Setting Mask Options Transforming the Mask Working with Tangents and Vertices Animating Garbage Masks Using the Shape Channel Using Spline Keyframing Animating Masks with the Stabilizer Applying Motion Blur to Garbage Masks Rendering Garbage Masks in Interlaced Mode Using Region of Interest Pulling Keys with Softness, Advanced Gradients, and the Tracer Applying Softness Using Softness Fields Apply Softness using Advanced Gradient and Pickers Setting Mask Viewing Options Applying Softness Using the Tracer Animating a Tracer Mask Tracking with the Tracer Troubleshooting the Tracer Loading Garbage Masks Working with Garbage Mask Setups Preset Garbage Mask Setups Importing and Exporting Raw Setup Files Compositor and Optics Summary About the Compositor and Optics Compositing Accessing the Compositor Setting Preferences Cropping the Front Clip Controlling the Camera in the Scene Setting Front Clip Attributes Creating Motion Paths Tracking Clips Colour Correcting Clips Animating a Composite Processing Your Clips Quick Compositing Creating Glow Effects Using Optics Animating Glow Effects Saving, Loading, and Removing Setups Tracking and Stabilizing Summary About Tracking and Stabilizing Tracking Workflow Accessing the Stabilizer from the Desktop and from Action How the Stabilizer Works Positioning Trackers Choosing a Reference Point Selecting a Tracker Positioning the Reference Box Resizing the Reference and Tracker Boxes Resetting Trackers Tracking Tracking from the Compositor One-Point and Two-Point Tracking Four-Point Tracking Tips for Working with Several Trackers Stabilizing Stabilizing with Plain Stabilization Removing Jitter Smoothing Motion Correcting Errors Updating the Reference Point Resetting the Tracker Adjusting the Tracker Box Tracking Difficult Shots Positioning the Tracker Box Manually Locking Keyframes Changing the Reference Point Tweaking the Tolerance Value Analysing Backward Tracking Manually Analysing One Frame at a Time Editing the Tracker Channels on the Image Tracking a Colour-Corrected Copy of the Clip Setting Options Tracking Options User Interface Options Rendering Options Importing and Exporting Data Copying Shift Channels Distort Summary About Distort Warping in the Distort Module Morphing in the Distort Module Mesh-Based Warps and Morphs Accessing the Distort Menu Using Distort’s Views and Clip Display Changing Views Displaying Clips Toggling between Inputs Creating Splines Drawing Splines Linking and Unlinking Splines Editing Splines Transforming Splines Using Distort’s Schematic Node Types Adding Nodes Naming Nodes Modifying Nodes Animating and Tracking Splines Animating Splines Loading a Clip into the Stabilizer Blending Clips Interpolating Features Refining Distortions Working with Correspondence Points Adjusting Resolution Adjusting Distortion Granularity and Limiting Region Warping Example Morphing Example Using Distort in Batch Creating a Distortion to Feed into an Action Layer Saving and Loading Distort Setups Warper Summary About the Warper Accessing the Warper Setting Up the Clips Activating Clips Creating Meshes Defining a Mesh Adding Patches Modifying a Mesh Moving Control Points, Edges, and Tangent Handles Selecting Multiple Control Points Translating, Scaling, and Rotating the Mesh Subdividing a Patch Adding a Vertex Using the Freehand Mesh Tool Warping with the Magnet Tool Modifying the Meshes for Live-Action Clips Loading a Clip into the Stabilizer Copying and Pasting Meshes for a Live-Action Clip Copying and Pasting Meshes for a Still Clip Warping Defining the Source Mesh Defining the Destination Mesh Warping a Still Clip Warping a Region of a Clip Morphing Defining the Front Source Mesh Defining the Back Source Mesh Using Source Interpolation Setting Keyframes Manually Morphing between Two Still Clips Morphing between Two Live-Action Clips Setup Options Customizing Mesh Colours Saving Setups Processing Options Text Summary About Text Text Workflow Accessing the Text Module Processing Text Processing Text Clips Processing Considerations Saving and Loading Files Adding Text to Clips Creating a Layer Entering Text Word Processing Hot Keys Creating Text Effects Modifying Layer and Character Properties Copying and Pasting Character Channels Grouping Text Layers Loading Logos Tabulating Text Spell Checking Creating Text Rolls and Text Crawls Creating a Text Crawl Animating Text Animating Paragraph Channels Animating Text on a Motion Path Defining Styles Saving and Loading Styles Applying Existing Styles Changing Fonts Pasting Text from an External Source Adding Fonts Entering Non-Latin Text sparks Summary About sparks Loading sparks on the Desktop Replacing sparks Using sparks on the Desktop Audio sparks Loading and Using Audio sparks Plug-Ins Changing VST Values during Playback Creating VST Programs Tuning Options Audio sparks Settings Developing sparks Action Basics Summary About Action Action Concepts Basic Action Workflow Accessing the Action Module Accessing Modules through Action Accessing Action through Batch Manipulating an Object’s Axis Action Views Accessing the Axis Menu Selecting an Axis Moving and Rotating Axes in the Scene Changing the Plane Layer Views and Context View Using Proxies in Action Working with Proxy Resolutions Using a Grid Setup and Processing Options Accessing the Render Options Menu Saving, Loading, and Importing Setups Resetting Values Setting the Scale for Axes and the Camera Smoothing with Anti-Aliasing and Softness Defining a Render Resolution Action: Layers and Surfaces Summary About Layers and Surfaces Layers Workflow Accessing the Layers Menu Viewing the Layers List Adding Layers Viewing Layers Modifying Layers Changing a Layer’s Clips Locking the Front or Back Clip Blurring a Clip Cropping a Clip Adding Softness to a Crop Eliminating Unwanted Black in Areas of Layer Transparency Slipping a Layer Deleting Layers Processing a Matte Accessing the Colour Corrector and the Keyer from Action Accessing the Modular Keyer from Action Adding Surfaces Applying Layers to Surfaces Modifying Surfaces Accessing the Surface Menu Changing Surface Transparency Surface Blending Modes Offsetting a Surface Filtering Editing Tracker Offsets Changing the Shape of a Surface Resetting the Surface Shape Reshaping Using the Channel Editor Reordering Surfaces Accessing the Priority Editor Changing the Drawing Order Grouping Layers Analyse, Z-Sort, and the Z-Buffer Creating Keyframes Using the Priority Editor Importing Photoshop Files into Action Using the Schematic Node Types Adding Objects Selecting Objects Naming Objects Modifying Objects Creating Branches Collapsing Branches Removing Branches Animating with the Channel Editor Advanced Techniques Creating a Matte Source Transforming the Front Clip Replacing the Front or Matte Clip Adding Blur Replacing Clips with Other Effects Parenting and Redrawing Source Nodes Applying Effects with Source Nodes Action: Camera Summary About the Camera Camera Workflow Accessing the Camera Menu Adding a Camera Switching Cameras Working with the Frustum Importing and Exporting Cameras FBX Cameras 3ds max Cameras Setting Camera Views Camera and Orthographic Views Modifying the Camera Panning the Camera Orbiting the Point of Interest Zooming In and Out Applying Motion Blur Working with Motion Blur Blurring a Single Object Creating Custom Motion Blurs Blurring with Source Nodes Applying Fog to the Scene Action: Light and Shadows Summary About Lights and Shadows Lights Workflow Accessing the Light Menu Adding a Light Source Selecting a Light Source Importing Lights Applying Selective Lighting Excluding Surfaces from a Light Source Modifying Surface Lighting Adjusting Specular Highlights Applying Ambient and Diffuse Lighting Converting to Wireframe Flipping a Surface’s Normals Adding Shadows Adjusting Shadow Softness Adjusting Shadow Colour and Transparency Moving a Shadow Changing the Layer Used for the Shadow Using Shadow Mix Action: 3D Geometry Summary About 3D Geometry 3D Geometry Workflow Importing 3D Models Importing the FBX Format Creating 3D Text Creating Bevelled Text Editing 3D Text Properties Animating 3D Text Separating Text Working with 3D Geometry Creating a Specular Highlight on a Model Adjusting Normals Subdividing a Model Adding Textures Replacing a Texture on a Model Applying Texture Mapping Converting to Wireframe Projecting Textures Adding a Displacement Map Using a Different Layer for the Displacement Source Warping a Surface Accessing the Extended Bicubic Menu Subdividing an Extended Bicubic Deforming Models and Surfaces Adding a Deformation Mesh Modifying a Deformation Mesh Animating a Deformation Mesh Transforming Multiple Points Setting the Magnet Polarity Transforming Points Transforming Unselectable Points Action: 3D Camera Tracking Summary About 3D Camera Tracking Tracking Points in the Stabilizer Basic 3D Tracking Advanced 3D Tracking Defining Coordinates Defining Axes 3D Auto-Tracker Defining Relations between Track Points Setting Camera Properties Defining the General Camera Setting the Focal Length Setting Camera Distortion Analysing 3D Tracks Action: The Particle System Summary About Action’s Particle System Particles Workflow Generators Manipulators Bouncers Generating Particles Using a Light Source Using a Surface Using a 3D Object Customizing the Particle Stream Setting Stream Properties Setting Particle Properties Setting Particle Rendering Properties Setting Channel Editor Properties Using Custom Particles Applying Textures to Particles Manipulating Particles Setting Manipulator Properties Applying Transformations Simulating Gravity Creating a Vortex Effect Using an AccPoint Manipulator Using an AccLine Manipulator Using an AccPlane Manipulator Forming a Particle Path Using a Function as a Manipulator Bouncing Particles Bouncing Particles Off an Image Bouncing Particles Off a Bouncer Exploding Objects and Surfaces Exploding Objects Exploding Surfaces Combining Particle Streams Particles Generating Another Particle Stream Particles Bouncing into Another Particle Stream Sample Particle Setups Paint: Basics Summary About Paint Loading Clips into Paint Using the Mouse Displaying a Reference Image Using Grids and Guides Grid Controls Resetting the Grid and Guides Selecting Colours Using the Current Colour Using the Colour Palette Previewing an Animation Painting on Full-Resolution Film Images Saving and Restoring the Image Exiting Paint Painting on the Canvas Summary About Canvas Mode Selecting a Brush Using the Large Canvas Rolling the Image Painting with Geometry Painting Lines Painting Rectangles Painting Circles Painting Triangles Setting Brush Attributes and Modes Summary About Brush Attributes and Modes Brush Attributes Brush Opacity Brush Size Brush Rate Brush Pressure Brush Jitter Brush Direction Brush Roll Brush Attribute Modes Using Reference Images Direction of the Brush Pressure Exerted on the Pen Preferences Affecting Brushes Using Filters and Special Effects Media Summary Applying Filters Using Special Effects Media Blurring the Image Cloning the Image Dragging the Image Using the Impressionist Medium Revealing a Reference Image Using the Recursive Clone Medium Smearing the Image Using the Stamp Medium Warping the Image Washing and Shading the Image Using Wipe, Fill, and AutoPaint Summary Wiping an Image Wiping Using a Colour Wiping Using Special Effects Media and Filters Using the Wipe Command in Graphics Filling an Image Defining the Range for the Fill Selecting Colour Channels Adjusting the Softness Filling a Region with a Colour Filling a Region with an Image Filling a Boundary Using AutoPaint Wiping the Canvas in AutoPaint Applying Random Strokes Recording Brush Strokes Tracking with AutoPaint Playing Recorded Brush Strokes Using Mattes in Paint Summary About Mattes Using Mattes with Cutouts Viewing Mattes Changing the Matte Colour Changing the Matte Display Transparency Inverting the Matte Clip Creating or Modifying Mattes Painting on the Matte and Image Resetting the Matte Creating a Gradient Matte Creating High-Contrast Mattes Using Graphics in Paint Summary Accessing the Graphics Menu Creating Graphics Auto Edit After Add Using the Object Tools Drawing a Line Drawing a Rectangle Drawing a Triangle Drawing an Ellipse Drawing a Circle Drawing a Polygon Drawing a Fill Object Drawing a Text Object Selecting Objects Using the Selected Field Selecting More than One Object Deselecting Objects Selecting All Objects Editing Objects Copying Objects Deleting Objects Hiding Objects Changing the Order of Overlapping Objects Setting the Object Resolution and Display Wireframe Display Options Increasing Editing Speed Hiding the Object Vertices Displaying Anamorphic Geometry Anti-Aliasing for Objects Setting the Object Attribute Changing the Object’s Appearance Setting Brush Attributes and Modes Using Filters and Special Effects Media with Graphics Changing the Object Gradient Changing the Size or Position of an Object Using the Transformation Box Using the Transformation Controls Changing the Shape of an Object Adding and Deleting Vertices on a Polygon or Line Editing a Bezier Curve Converting Graphics to AutoPaint Strokes Animating Graphics Animation Parameters Shape Animation Gradient Animation Processing the Animation Saving and Restoring Objects The Store and Recall Commands Tacking Down Objects Tack Modes Tacking Down Selected Objects Cutting and Pasting in Paint Summary Accessing the Cut/Paste Menu Creating a Cutout Keep Cut On Using the Cutout Commands The FrameCut Command The RectCut Command The PolyCut Command The GeoCut Command Increasing Editing Speed The Graphic Regen Button Texture Cut/Paste and Use Texture Button Pasting Cutouts The Emboss Option The Extrude Option The Blend Options The Shadow Option Colour Correcting Cutouts Animating Cutouts Loading and Saving Cutouts Preserving Paint Cutouts Paint: Setups Summary About Paint Setups Saving Setups Cropping a Setup Loading Setups Deleting Setups Creating and Saving Brush Setups Copying Brush Setups Creating a Custom Brush Changing the Brush Profile Changing the Curve Drawing and Updating a Brush Shape Selecting an Area of the Image Updating an Existing Brush Customizing the Pressure Profile Using Colour Correction Setups Installing Fonts Summary Using New Fonts Converting Nonstandard Fonts Installing Fonts Installing TrueType Fonts Installing CID Fonts Entering Asian and Non-Latin Text Glossary List of Terms Index