User Manual

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OpenEXR files with multiple RGBA layers (or passes) embedded within them (RGBA +
RGBA + RGBA and so on) or OpenEXR files with multiple alpha channels (RGBA + A + A)
expose multiple entries in this submenu. Whichever one you choose is the layer that
will be used as a matte by that EXT MATTE node.
Once you’ve extracted an OpenEXR layer, you can use it as you would any other EXT MATTE
node described in this section, to limit adjustments (as seen above), or to add texture or
transparency (as seen in the following sections).
Using External Mattes to Add Texture
You can also use external mattes as creative tools, to add grain and texture. For example, you
might use a more abstract animated matte, or a grayscale film scan of dirt and dust, to apply
correction for effect.
Light leak and dirt and dust images From Warren Eagles’ Scratch
FX collection (FXPHD), designed to add texture to your grades
Once attached to a clip, external mattes can be exposed in the Node Editor, and their key
output can be used just like any other key in a node tree.
To use a clip matte to create texture for a Clip or Timeline grade:
1 When applying a matte as part of a Clip or Timeline grade, right-click any node and
choose the attached or timeline matte you want to use from the Add Matte submenu
of the contextual menu. Unattached mattes appear in the Add Matte > Timeline Mattes
submenu.
2 Disconnect the EXT MATTE node’s key output connection to the Key input of the node
it’s connected to by default.
3 Add a Layer Mixer to the end of the node tree.
4 Disconnect the bottom Corrector node’s RGB input, and then connect it to the EXT
MATTE node’s square RGB output.
Chapter – 126 Combining Keys and Using Mattes 2863