Hold Timing

The Hold Timing node exists as Hold Timing (for Images) and Hold Transformation Timing (for Pegs and Transformations). This node is used to apply holds to the input transformation or images, in order to expose certain frames for specific durations. These nodes can be used to change the exposure increments of input images and transformations so that the output updates at the appropriate frames. This is particularly useful for retiming the animated content.

The Hold Timing node takes an image input and output, and will provide the retimed transformation and render of that image with sections held given the settings of the node.

The Hold Transformation Timing node takes a transformation input and output, and will provide the retimed transformation with sections held given the settings of the node.

  1. In the Node View press Enter.

  2. Type in the name of the node you want to search.
  3. Select the node.
  4. Click the yellow box on the left to open the dialog box.

  • Hold Mode: Defines the mode in which the held frame transformations and renders are applied. You can select the value from the drop-down list.

    • Dynamic: Dynamic mode will scan all connected modules in the in-port and will also calculate the most reasonable timing based on all connected nodes’ attribute keyframes and timing. The dynamic mode aims for a maximum exposure as defined in the hold value attribute, and will divide up timed-sections based on attached keyframes and the appropriate amount of subdivisions possible in that section, while considering the timing of the animation.

    • Hold Value: Hold Value mode will use the value defined in the Hold Value attribute, and will only update the transformation or render in increments of that value. Setting a keyframe on this attribute will start a new section of exposures and all subsequent exposures will be based on the last keyframe. This is useful for retiming sections on twos and adding sections on ones by simply adding a keyframe.

    • Hold Between Stop-Motion Keyframes: Hold Between Stop-Motion Keyframes uses the keyframes and tweens in the Hold Keyframes attribute to define regions that will update and render new images and transformations. The node will only output the current frame from the input when a key, or tween, is present on that frame, otherwise it will hold the last value it has previously output.

  • Bake Dynamic Holds: Bake Dynamic Holds will convert the dynamic mode to another mode that is static and no longer dependent on the input nodes. When clicking the Bake Dynamic Holds button, a prompt will request the type of mode to convert the dynamic values into. This prompt allows the user to select the mode into which the values are baked.

  • Hold Value: Defines the exposure increments in which the image or transformation is updated and output. This attribute is used when the node is in Dynamic and Hold Value mode.

  • Hold Keyframes: Defines the keys in which the image or transformation is updated and output. This attribute is used when the node is in Hold Between Stop-Motion Keyframes mode.

  • Disable Selection: This option is available in all timing nodes. It is recommended to disable the timing node when modifying content, and reapply it when the content is complete.

  • Hide from Timeline: This option will collapse all attached content above this node in the Timeline, preventing it from being selected or modified directly in the Timeline.