User`s guide

The Controls Window

Viewing the Channels of an Image

You can display the RGB, red, green, blue, or alpha component of an image in the

Composite window.

The alpha channel specifies the transparency of each pixel allowing portions of the

foreground image to reveal or block out the background image when two images are

composited. You may find it useful to display the alpha channel of your image when

compositing, so that you can monitor the matte of an image. It is also useful when working

with masks or filters that create an alpha channel.

To view the channel of an image:

1. Select the track in the timeline.

2. In the Composite window controls, click the Change Preview Channels button.

3. Select the channel you want to view.

The Controls Window

The Controls window displays all parameters for the selected track, organized by tabs. The

display in the window is contextual, so the parameters vary depending on the selection on

the timeline. The Controls window allows you to adjust the values for each parameter and

choose how to interpolate those values between keyframes. If no track is selected, the

window is empty.

All shape tracks have parameters specific to that shape, and each filter you apply creates a

filter track with its own set of parameters. The buttons at the bottom of the Controls window

provides fast access to common commands. For descriptions of the buttons, see “Controls

Window Buttons” on page 90.

The Controls window also lets you to:

• Adjust the values for each parameter using the text box and sliders, and

• Select how to interpolate those values between keyframes.