Creating a Layer from an Operator

Creating a Layer from an Operator

You can create a new layer from an operator to use (or reuse) a result that already exists in the workspace. For example, an operator on a layer in one composite can be used for a layer in a second composite.

You can select any operator in the workspace except the current composite or any operator that is downstream from it. (This ensures no loops are made in the process tree.)

Since operators are represented as nodes in the Schematic view, you can also connect the operator to the composite in Schematic view; the result is the same. For information on ways to link nodes, see Organizing Nodes.

Instances in the Workspace Panel

When you create a new layer from an operator, the way the result appears in the Workspace panel depends on the location of the operator in the process tree:

If you select an operator that is at the top level in a branch, the entire branch is moved under the new layer in the current composite.

Otherwise, an instance of the selected operator (and all operators downstream from it) appears under the new layer.

Instanced operators are indicated by italicized names in the Workspace panel. The instanced operator is not a copy; in the Schematic view, there is only one set of nodes.

Both the operator you originally selected and the set of italicized operators under the new layer are instances of each other. This means any change to one instance affects the other, and vice versa.

Using instanced operators in the Workspace panel is simply a way of showing the process tree links as a hierarchy.

To create a layer from an operator:

Select a composite in the Workspace panel.

Choose Object | New Layer from Operator.

The Operator Picker dialog appears.

Select an operator in the workspace.

Notice that the composite you selected in step 1 cannot be selected.

In this example, the Color Corrector and Footage operators from Front Layer will be instanced for the new layer.

Click OK.

If the selected operator is the top of its branch, the entire branch is moved under the new layer. Otherwise, an instance of the selected operator (and all operators downstream from it) appears under the new layer.