Shading Layer Parameter VEX node

Creates a parameter to appear in the signature of the VEX function defined by the VOP network (VOPNET).

See also: Constant, Global Variables, Parameter, UV Space Change

This operator creates a parameter to appear in the signature of the VEX function defined by the VOP network (VOPNET). The new parameter is named according to the chosen geometry attribute and the specified layer.

Unlike the Parameter operator, which creates parameters of any name and type, Shading Layer computes the parameter name from the name of the geometry attribute and the specified layer. For example, choosing “UV Coordinates” from the attribute menu will generate “uv, ”uv2“, ”uv3“ when the layer is 1 and respectively 2 and 3. The parameter type matches the type of the selected geometry attribute.

This operator always checks if the geometry attribute is bound and, if so, assigns its value to the new parameter. Thus, the new parameter will be hidden in the operator type defined by the VOP network.

One of the most common uses of this operator is the creation of layered textures, which requires different sets of texture coordinates for each Texture operator. To accomplish this task, choose “UV Coordinates” from this operator’s attribute menu and set the appropriate layer. Pipe the “uv” output into a Vector To Float operator to extract the “s” and “t” as individual float values, then wire “s” and “t” into the Texture operator. Repeat this operation for all the layers, then add or multiply the all Texture outputs using the Add or Multiply operator respectively.

Label          | Name  | Type     | Default If Not Bound
---------------+-------+----------+---------------------------
UV Coordinates | uv    | 3 floats | { global s, global t, .5 }
RGB Color      | Cd    | 3 floats | { 1, 1, 1} (i.e. white)
Alpha          | Alpha | 1 float  | 1          (i.e. opaque)