3D Compositing with Action > Action: Basics >
Using the Schematic and Menu Tabs

In Schematic view, a node exists for all objects in the scene, for example, shadows, lights, and texture maps.

(a) Axis object is the parent of axis 4 and poly1(b) 3D model(c) Light source(d) Diffuse texture applied to the 3D model(e) Drop shadow of bilinear1

Here are some hints when working in the schematic with some of the various node types.

Surface Nodes
  (Bilinear, Bicubic, and Extended Bicubic) When you add one of these surface nodes to the schematic, the node name is displayed with a number in parentheses. The number indicates the media applied to the surface. For example, a bicubic object labeled (2) shows that the bicubic uses the clips from Media 2.

(a) Media 2 is used by the bicubic surface.

For more information on the relationship between media and surfaces, see Adding Surfaces.

DVE Layer Object Node
  A DVE Layer Object node is a special node designed to simplify working in the Action schematic. A DVE Layer Object node is a grouped node of all axes and surfaces that DVE users are accustomed to using. See Adding a DVE Layer Object.
Camera Node
  The camera node appears in Schematic view by default and you can link it to any image. Use the camera node to rotate the camera about its own axis, and parent other nodes including shadow, texture, and geometry nodes.
Shadow and Texture Nodes
  Shadow and texture nodes each display a single number in parentheses beside the name that indicates the media used for the shadow or texture. For example, a shadow labeled (2) shows that the shadow uses the matte from Media 2.
Source Nodes
  Source nodes are used as part of an advanced schematic structure that separates the media's matte and front so that each clip can be animated individually. You can also use sources to create complex compositing effects such as nesting. See Action: Sources.

TipAdding many nodes and connections can quickly make for a disorganized schematic. To solve this, press Alt+T to reorganize the schematic.

#### Topics in this section

- Populating Menu Tabs of Selected Objects
- Using the Object Menu for Multiple Selections
- Parenting Nodes
- Duplicating Objects
- Soloing Objects
- Collapsing Branches