= Work with planes =

tasks>>
    Copy image data from one image into a plane of another image:
        # Create a [Channel Copy node|Node:cop2/channelcopy].

        #  [Connect|/ref/panes/network]  the compositing node (usually a [File
          node|Node:cop2/file]) containing the color image to the first
          input, and the compositing node containing the deep raster
          plane to the second input.

        # In the Channel Copy node's parameters, set __Source__ to
          "Input 2" and set __Target__ to the name of the deep raster
          plane you're importing.

    Create planes from scratch:
        * Add a  [generator node|/composite]  and on its
          __Image__ tab set the __Add plane__ parameter.

    Use one image as the alpha channel of another image:
        * The [Switch Alpha COP|Node:cop2/switchalpha] moves the alpha
          plane from its second input into its first input.

    Use color data as the basis for the alpha channel:
        * See  [keying|keying] .


TIP:
    You can also use the Channel Copy operator to swap image data
    between planes/components or inputs.