Creative Effects > Modular Keyer > Setting Up the Processing Pipeline >
Adding Nodes to the Pipeline

You can add nodes to the pipeline to use while building your key. For example, you can place several garbage mask nodes on the pipeline.

Most nodes can be placed anywhere on the pipeline. There are a few exceptions when it comes to the pipes of blend nodes. Certain nodes do not function on some pipes because of the way the pipes operate. See Using Blend Nodes and Nodes Placement Table.

The method for adding nodes to blend node pipes differs from the method for adding them to branches:

- When you add a node to the CBlend and MBlend pipes, you can simply drag and drop them onto the pipe and they are “attached”.
- When you add a node to branches of the pipeline (for example, to the Back branch), you need to cut the branch at the appropriate location, connect it to the new node, and reconnect the branch to the rest of the pipeline.

To add a node to the CBlend and MBlend pipes:

1. Scroll the node bar to display the node type you want.
2. Do one of the following:
   - Drag a node to the schematic and release it in the approximate location you want it to appear.
   - Double-click a node. The new node appears to the right of the most recently selected node, or group of nodes, in the pipeline. If no node was previously selected, the new node appears in the center of the schematic.
3. To use the node, it must be connected to the pipeline. Drag the node over one of the blend pipes and release the cursor.

   To place the node: | Do this:
   --- | ---
   Between two nodes. | Position it between the two nodes such that it is touching both nodes.
   At the beginning of a pipe | Overlap it with the first node and move it back a bit.
   At the end of a pipe | Overlap it with the last node, move it ahead a bit, and release the cursor.

   The node is added to the pipeline.

To add a node to branches:

1. Scroll the node bar to display the node you want.
2. Drag the node from the node bar to the schematic.
3. Select Parent from the Edit Mode box.
4. Drag the cursor across the branch where you want to add the node.

   The portion of the branch between the previous and next items disappears.

5. Drag the cursor from the front of the previous clip or node (or its Result tab) to the back of the new node.

   If the node has source tabs, attach the branch to the front, back, or matte tab, depending on the type of node. See Modular Keyer Node Reference.

   NoteYou can also use the output (result image) of any node on the pipeline as an input source for the new node. This includes the output of nodes along the pipes of blend nodes.

   The branch is connected to the new node.

6. Drag the cursor from the result tab of the new node to the back of the next node (or to the appropriate source tab—see note, above).