Shared Element

In Smode, the same element can be used several times in different places, using memory storage space only once. To do this, you need to use Share ElementShares the element that it is usable on multiple places . Right-click on the element you wish to replicate, regardless of its complexity - whether it's a simple Layer, a complex Compo, or even an entire Scene - and choose 'Share Element' .
This action will create a Shared Element along with a Reference Instance of a Shared Element or an external Compo Read More , where the latter serves as an instance of the former.
To generate a new Reference Instance of a Shared Element or an external Compo Read More from a shared element, [CTRL] + drag and drop it wherever you want to use it in the Element Tree, or duplicate an existing Reference Instance of a Shared Element or an external Compo Read More .
Note that each Reference Instance of a Shared Element or an external Compo Read More has its own Blending Mode Define how overlapping pixels are blended together Read More , allowing you to mix different Blending Mode Define how overlapping pixels are blended together Read More . Additionally, each Reference Instance of a Shared Element or an external Compo Read More can have its own local 2D TextureMask Define a 2D Mask applicable on any 2D Renderer or 2D Modifier Read More , 2D Modifier Modify a 2D image Read More , and 2D Renderer Effect An effect that modifies the way a 2D layer is rendered Read More .
A Reference Instance of a Shared Element or an external Compo Read More can then be converted back into a separate element by click -> ImportImports a formerly referenced .
This will create a copy of the element you had shared, which will be completely independent, but will therefore occupy new storage space.
To navigate from Shared Element A shared element that can be reused at several places like an After Effects precomposition Read More to their Reference Instance of a Shared Element or an external Compo Read More , right-click on either one, and you'll see menu shortcuts to bring you directly to them in the Go To section:
This is a very powerful tool, indispensable for procedural compositing.
Here's an example of how to use Shared Elements: you can use the same Compo, containing Particles in this case, to create both a waterfall and to deform the image behind with its luminosity:
Here's another example demonstrating how to use Shared Elements to texture and procedurally displace a 3D object: