Composite Layer Properties

For more information about the Composite module options in a 3D environment context,
refer to Managing a Network with a 3D Scene Setup.

Composite Options

As Bitmap: when selected, it composites all of the images into a single, flat bitmap image. The Z value of the final image will be based on the Output Z selection.
As Vector: when selected, it composites all of the images as a single vector image. The Z value of the final image will be based on the Output Z selection.
As Seamless Bitmap: When selected, it composites all of the images into a single, flat bitmap image (just like the As Bitmap compositing mode). The main difference between the As Bitmap and As Seamless Bitmap modes is that the seamless version ensures that there is no visible seam between adjacent vector drawings that have matching geometries. This can be useful for cut-out animation, where multiple drawings may align perfectly like pieces of a puzzle. This can also be useful when building a 3D set out of flat drawings rotated in 3D. In this case, using the Seamless mode will produce the correct result when two drawings are either intersecting, or nearly intersecting, in 3D. Note that the As Seamless Bitmap mode does not support the following effects: Shadow, Glow, Blending and Focus.
Pass Through: when selected, no compositing operations occur. No image will be merged or flattened. Each individual image will keep its own properties. The compositing operations will happen only in the next Composite module connected below. In this case, the Input Ordering options are ignored.
If a Composite set to Pass Through it is the last one in the compositing chain, it will act the same as the As Bitmap option. At that point, the Input Ordering options will be considered.

Input Ordering Options

2D: When selected, elements connected in the module are composited based on their port ordering. The Z-axis (forward-backward) values are ignored. The scaling value will be correct, but the actual position on the Z-axis will be ignored.
You can use the 2D composite type to create effects such as a camera recording overlay on your scene. Since you always want this element to be in front regardless of the other elements Z-axis position, you can set the option to 2D.

 

3D Flat: When selected, the Z-axis value of the elements connected in the Composite module are considered, so the visual representation is correct in the Camera view. The output will be a flat image.
3D: When selected, the Z-axis value of the elements connected in the composite module are considered, so the visual representation is correct in the Camera view. The image will not be flattened. The 3D aspect of the elements will be kept. For example, if you rotated elements on the three axes, the information will be retained and elements composited in lower levels will be able to intersect with the elements coming from a 3D Composite module.
The 3D Composite module should only be used in advanced cases. It is better to use a Pass Through composite type than a 3D composite type. This way, all the elements are composited together in the final Composite module.

Output Options

Output Z: Use this selection to identify which element’s front-back value from the current composition will be applied to the entire composited image in the next operation. If you select Portnumber, identify the appropriate port by its position using the Port For Output Z menu. The port used appears in a bright green the other ports on the Composite module. By default, the leftmost port is displayed in front and the rightmost one is displayed behind.

Bitmap Options

These options are active when you select the As Bitmap mode.

Apply Focus: Activates the Focus effect for this module in the composite operation.
Focus Multiplier: The value entered in this field is used as a multiplier for the radius value specified in the Focus or Focus-Multiplier modules.

Vector Options

These options are active when you select the As Vector mode.

Palette Name: When you render files, you can use this field to set the name of the palette files that Toon Boom Harmony will create for them.
Flatten: When selected, flattens vector drawings into one vector drawing file. Any transparency will be lost in the process. This creates smaller vector files, but might increase the time required to composite the drawings. This can be useful when reusing drawings. Because they will be vector files, you will still be able to apply vector-based transformations and effects.

Related Topics 

Network Navigation and Basic Rules
Managing a Network with a 3D Scene Setup