Creative Effects > 3D Keyer > Mastering the RGB Viewer >
Translating, Scaling, and Rotating Key Elements

You can fine-tune the key by translating, scaling, or rotating the tolerance ellipsoid, softness ellipsoid, and patches in the RGB viewer. For example, scale the softness ellipsoid in a particular direction to increase the softness. You use the same methods for all three key element types.

To translate or scale an element in a particular direction, you use its arrow to specify the direction. When scaling an element along the axis of the arrow, you have the option of scaling it equally in both directions from its centre, or scaling it only in the forward direction of the arrow. You can also scale an element proportionally in all directions (X, Y and Z directions).

Before performing the following operations, set up the RGB viewer to best display the elements you are working with. Zoom in on the element, decide if you want to show the histogram, and hide elements that are in the way. See Changing the Display of Key Elements.

TipDisplay the 3D histogram as you make modifications to see the areas of colour that you are working in. Try reducing the size and opacity of histogram cubes to see more clearly. See Setting the 3D Histogram Display.

To modify the tolerance or softness using these techniques, the ellipsoid must be displayed. The Tolerance Display or Softness Display must be set to Ellipsoid, Wireframe, or Cloud. Likewise, when reshaping patches, the patch box must be displayed. The box is displayed when the Display is set to Cloud, Box, or Box&Surf.

See More Keying Techniques to learn ways to apply these techniques in specific situations.

To translate a key element:

1. Select the element. See Selecting Key Elements in the RGB Viewer.
2. Identify the direction in which you want to translate the element and set the arrow in this direction. You can do this manually. See Controlling Elements with the Directional Arrow.
3. Alternatively, you can also plot a pixel on the image or a histogram cube (see Plotting Single Colour Values). When you plot a pixel on the image or a histogram cube, the arrow of the selected key element automatically points towards the plotted pixel.
4. Press 6 and drag the cursor in the RGB viewer. Drag to the right to translate the element forward along the arrow axis, or to the left to translate it backward.

To rotate a key element:

1. Select the element. See Selecting Key Elements in the RGB Viewer.
2. Press 7 and drag the cursor in the key element.

   The key element rotates in any direction around its centre point.

To scale a key element proportionally:

1. Select the element. See Selecting Key Elements in the RGB Viewer.
2. Press 8 on the keyboard and drag in the RGB viewer. Drag to the right to increase its size, or to the left to make it smaller.

To scale a key element from its centre:

1. Select the element. See Selecting Key Elements in the RGB Viewer.
2. Set the arrow in the desired direction. You can do this manually. See Controlling Elements with the Directional Arrow.

   You can also set the arrow by plotting a point on either the image or a histogram cube. When you plot a point on the image or a histogram cube, the arrow of the selected key element automatically points towards the plotted pixel. See More Keying Techniques.

3. Press 9 and drag the cursor in the RGB viewer. Drag to the right to scale it larger along the axis of the arrow, and to the left to scale it smaller.

   The element is scaled equally in the forward and backward directions of the arrow.

To scale a key element in one arrow direction:

1. Select the element. See Selecting Key Elements in the RGB Viewer.
2. Set the arrow in the desired direction. You can do this manually. See Controlling Elements with the Directional Arrow.
3. You can also set the arrow by plotting a point on either the image or a histogram cube. When you plot a point on the image or a histogram cube, the arrow of the selected key element automatically points towards the plotted pixel. See More Keying Techniques.
4. Press 0 and drag the cursor in the RGB viewer. Drag to the right to scale it larger in the forward direction of the arrow, or to the left to scale it smaller towards the centre of the element.

   The element is scaled in the forward direction of the arrow only.