2008

Load Gradient Displays a file open dialog in which you can load a particular
gradient. Gradients are saved with a .dgr extension.
Save Gradient Displays a file save as dialog where you specify the path and
filename for the gradient.
Load UV Map Lets you load a bitmap image and use each row of pixels of
the bitmap as an animated gradient. When a bitmap is loaded into a gradient
control, Lens Effects reads the first 100 pixels across the top row of the image
(for the 100 divisions of its gradient controls) and makes them the gradient.
With each successive frame, Lens Effects reads in the next row of pixels as the
gradient. When you scrub the animation slider, you can see the gradient
change over time.
NOTE If the animation is longer than the chosen bitmap is tall, then the bitmap
pattern is repeated.
Load Bitmap Displays a 3ds Max file browser so you can select a bitmap to
use as your gradient. Unlike UV Map, the Load Bitmap option only reads the
first row of pixels for the entire animation. This is a good option when you
need to have a complex but static gradient.
Flag Mode Indicates you are using flags to set the colors of your gradient
instead of using a bitmap as the source. Flag Mode is selected by default.
Compositing Methods
The last five options on the shortcut menu are different types of compositing
methods. When you work with Color and Transparency gradient controls in
any of the Lens Effects filters, you must be aware of both the Radial and Circular
gradients. Both Lens Effects color gradients and both Transparency gradients
are "locked together" and will work together based on the compositing method
you choose to create an effect.
Each compositing method works on a pixel-by-pixel basis on the positional
value in both gradients. The compositing methods define how the colors and
brightness values are combined to form a single color. When combining the
colors, the algorithms evaluate each color channel of the color to find the end
result. This lets you create five very different looking effects with the same
two gradients.
High Value When this option is selected, the higher color or brightness value
between the two gradients is selected. For example, if you had a color with
RGB values of 255,210,255 and another with 225,240,225, the resulting color
would be 255,240,255. This option generally results in a slightly brighter lens
flare than the default settings.
Lens Effects Filters | 6703