User Manual

Table Of Contents
Level
The Level control sets the transparency level of the pixels in the mask channel. When the value
is 1.0, the mask is completely opaque (unless it has a soft edge). Lower values cause the mask
to be partially transparent. The result is identical to lowering the blend control of an effect.
NOTE: Lowering the level of a mask lowers the values of all pixels covered by the
mask in the mask channel. For example, if a Circle mask is placed over a Rectangle
mask, lowering the level of the Circle mask lowers the values of all of the pixels in the
mask channel, even though the Rectangle mask beneath it is still opaque.
Filter
This control selects the filtering algorithm used when applying Soft Edge to the mask.
Box: This is the fastest method but at reduced quality. Box is best suited for minimal
amounts of blur.
Bartlett: Otherwise known as a Pyramid filter, Bartlett makes a good compromise
between speed and quality.
Multi-box: When selecting this filter, the Num Passes slider appears and lets you
control the quality. At 1 and 2 passes, results are identical to Box and Bartlett,
respectively. At 4 passes and above, results are usually as good as Gaussian, in less
time and with no edge “ringing.
Gaussian: The Gaussian filter uses a true Gaussian approximation and gives excellent
results, but it is a little slower than the other filters. In some cases, it can produce an
extremely slight edge “ringing” on floating-point pixels.
Soft Edge
Use the Soft Edge slider to blur (feather) the mask, using the selected filter. Higher values cause
the edge to fade off well beyond the boundaries of the mask. A value of 0.0 creates a crisp,
well-defined edge.
Border Width
The Border Width control adjusts the thickness of the mask’s edge. When the solid checkbox is
toggled on, the border thickens or narrows the mask. When the mask is not solid, the mask
shape draws as an outline, and the width uses the Border Width setting.
Paint Mode
Connecting a mask to the effect mask input displays the Paint mode menu. The Paint mode is
used to determine how the incoming mask for the effect mask input and the mask created in the
node are combined.
Merge: Merge is the default for all masks. The new mask is merged with the input mask.
Add: The mask’s values add to the input mask’s values.
Subtract: In the intersecting areas, the new mask values subtract from
the input mask’s values.
Minimum: Comparing the input mask’s values and the new mask, displays the lowest
(minimum) value.
Maximum: Comparing the input mask’s values and the new mask, displays the highest
(maximum) value.
Chapter – 97 Mask Nodes 2116