Creating a Double-Sided Layer

In this brief example, composite a flat layer that has two distinct images, one on each side. The trick that makes this possible is that there are two images in the same Z-space: one visible only from the back and one visible only from the front. You can then parent them so that they stay attached as "one" layer.

To create a double-sided layer:

1. Create a new composite and import two clips. For information, see Starting a Workspace.

The two layers should be at the same position on the Z-axis. If not, set this in the Transform controls for each layer.

2. If the layers are not the same size, scale down the larger layer in the Transform controls so that it matches the size of the smaller one.
3. Select the layer you want to see from the front, and then disable Back visibility in the Surface controls.



4. Select the layer you want to see from the back, and then disable Front visibility in the Surface controls.

If you rotate around the layers in Perspective view, you can see that each layer is only visible from one side.

You will notice that since only the back of the second layer is visible, the image that you see is a mirrored image of the original clip.

5. Select the back layer and choose Operators | Distort | Flip.

A Flip operator is added to the layer and the Flip controls appear.

6. Enable Flip Horizontal in the Flip controls.

The back layer is displayed correctly.

7. To parent the two layers together, select one and then select the other layer from the Parent list. For more information, see Parenting Layers.

When you rotate one layer, the other layer will rotate with it.

This technique can be used to build postcards, playing cards, or any other double-sided surface.