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Overview ¶
Old network
As of Houdini 20.5, use Copernicus nodes instead of Compositing nodes. Though both networks still exist, the Compositing network is now designated as COP Network - Old. The Compositing network and its nodes will be deprecated and then removed in a future Houdini release.
Some COP nodes are generators, which means they can create new sequences or planes. A generator can be used without any inputs, with one input or with two.
When a generator has no inputs, it generates a new sequence of frames. By default, most of the main generator parameters use the Composite Project settings:
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Resolution
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Pixel Aspect Ratio
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Raster Depth
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Sequence Range
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Frame Rate
Each of these parameters may be overridden to enter specific values.
If you are working consistently in a certain bit depth, resolution or frame range, it is recommended that you alter the Composite Project settings rather than individually modify the generator nodes' settings. The Composite Project settings, when changed, will automatically update all COPs settings that are linked to it.
Color and Alpha are always created, though if the generator does not include them in its Image Planes parameter, they will be empty.
Attaching a Node to the Merge Input ¶
The Merge input is the main input on the top of the node. When connecting a node to this input, the generator creates a new plane and merges into that node’s sequence. The plane may exist in the input, in which case the generator can modify it using simple compositing operations or replace it entirely. This process is called 'Inline Generation'.
When using Inline Generation, the parameters on the Image and Sequence pages cannot be modified, as they are inherited from the input.
NOTE: If you disconnect the generator from its merge input, any overridden generator parameters (Resolution, Pixel Aspect Ratio, Sequence Range) will be modified to match the input’s settings, so that the generated output remains roughly the same.
Attaching a Node to the Mask Input ¶
The Mask input is the side input. Connecting a node to this input will restrict the generated output to the area of the mask. This mask can be selected from the list of planes in the connected node, and inverted, brightened or dimmed, if desired.
If an input is connected to the Merge input, and the generator is modifying one of the input’s planes, the mask will blend the generated output with the input.
The parameters for selecting the mask can be found on the Mask page.
