This topic describes how 2D layers are working in Smode. If you are starting with 2D compositing in Smode,
you may probably want to check this overview video tutorial first:
Basically, a 2D Layer works by generating an image, modifying it and then rendering it. Here are the involved elements to perform this:
-
2D Generator
The part of a 2D layer that generates the image
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:
The generator represents a source of images. Many different types of generator exist: still images, videos, live video feeds, shaders generating an image in real-time...
-
2D Modifier
Modify a 2D image
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:
A 2D layer contains a chain of modifiers that are applied to the image of the Generator. A wide number of 2D modifiers are
provided ranging from simple colorimetry operations to advanced stylization effects.
-
2D TextureMask
Define a 2D Mask applicable on any 2D Renderer or 2D Modifier
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:
Any 2D modifier in Smode can be modulated with 2D masks that define for every pixel the level
of application of this modifier. Masks enable numerous applications from traditional transparency-masking
to advanced modulation of stylisation and distortion effects.
-
2D Renderer
Allow to actually display a 2D Layer
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:
Once the image is modified, it gets rendered by its
2D Renderer
Allow to actually display a 2D Layer
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.
By default there is one such renderer, but it's very easy to turn it into a
Group 2D Renderer
Allow multiple 2D Renderer for a single 2D Layer
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to get
the layer displayed multiple times (without nearly any additional cost).
Each renderer has an
opacity
and a
blending mode
and it is possible to add local
2D Modifier
Modify a 2D image
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on renderers.
The following picture illustrates how the different components constituting a 2D layer operate together:
To group multiple objects together, select them and press
[CTRL] + [SHIFT] + [G]
. This will have different
effects if you choose
2D Renderer
Allow to actually display a 2D Layer
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,
2D Modifier
Modify a 2D image
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or
2D Layer
A single 2D Layer
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.
Note that a group of
2D Layer
A single 2D Layer
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is not rasterized and has no specific resolution.
If you want to create a
Compo
Composite 2D Layer, Shape layer and 3D Layer together. [Ctrl] + [Shift] + [N] to create a new composition after opening Smode
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while grouping them, use the
[CTRL] + [SHIFT] + [C]
shortcut.
Here is a little composition made from a lot of 2D layers (images, videos, sprite-sheets) that runs on Smode in real time: