Procedural Compositing with Batch > Batch Processing > Assembling a Process Tree > 
Adding Clips to the Schematic
 
 
 

You can add clips to the Batch schematic in the following ways:

When you load or import clips from remote clip libraries, Batch does not duplicate storage on the local framestore. The import process occurs one frame at a time as you jog the timebar. In this way, the framestore is not cluttered with duplicate information.

To add clips to the schematic:

  1. In the Batch menu, select BatchSchm from the View box.
  2. Drag one of the following nodes to the schematic.
    Select: To:
    Desk node Add clips from the EditDesk. You can select up to six clips.

    Click Exit Clip Select to return to Batch. See Desk Node.

    Library node Load clips from a local or remote clip library. Select the clips and click a Load option. See Library Node.
    NoteWhen using the Library node for a clip originating from an imported library, the proxy resolution of the remote clip may not match the proxy resolution of the current project. If this occurs, load the remote clip on the EditDesk first, and then bring it into Batch.
    Import node Import images and clips using the Import Image module. See Import Node.
  3. Select the clips you want to add to the Batch schematic.
  4. Click Exit.

    You return to Batch and your selected clips are displayed as proxies in the schematic.

NoteWhen adding a Cineon® clip to the Batch schematic, an automatic linear gamma conversion to an 8- or a 12-bit image occurs. An OpenEXR clip is stored automatically as a 12-bit image. When adding clips with these file formats, the LUT Editor option is automatically enabled.

To replace a clip in the schematic:

  1. In the Batch schematic, double-click a clip.

    The EditDesk appears.

  2. Select the replacement clip.
  3. Click Exit Clip Select to return to Batch.

    In the Batch schematic, the original clip is substituted for the new selection.

Importing Multiple Resolutions

You can import clips of resolutions other than the default resolution defined for the project. The resolution and aspect ratio display directly on the clip in the schematic. Proxies are also displayed in their correct aspect ratio.

Nodes with multiple inputs, such as the Keyer and Colour Warper, must use clips of the same resolution. For example, the Front and Back inputs must be of identical resolution. If you want to add a clip with a different resolution as an input, you must either parent a Resize node between the clip and the input of the node, or resize the clip itself. For Action nodes, each Action layer must also use a front and matte of the same resolution. However, separate layers can have different resolutions.

Using Proxies in Batch

Use proxies to work with low-resolution versions of your high-resolution material. Using an image's proxy to perform colour corrections, blurs, or other edits significantly increases the interaction speed. Proxies of your clips are generated according to your project settings and conditions.

To use proxies in Batch:

  1. In Batch, click Setup to display the Batch Setup menu.
  2. Enable Use Proxies.

    Show small imageShow large image

    All clips replace their respective proxies as defined at project creation. The image window is outlined in amber.

    TipPress Ctrl+P to toggle the Use Proxies button at any time, from any location in Batch.
  3. If you click Process while in Proxy mode, you are asked to confirm whether you wish to render the proxies rather than the original clips.

Using OpenEXR Images in Batch

OpenEXR-formatted clips loaded from the EditDesk or imported from the library into Batch.

A selection of Batch nodes supports direct OpenEXR input. See Batch: Node Reference. If a clip is stored at 16 bits and connected to a node that does not support floating point data, its red warning tab is activated. To connect an OpenEXR-formatted clip to a node that does not support OpenEXR input, apply a conversion and export it to a linear format.

In Batch, you can apply a conversion in EXR Display by:

You can use a LUT Editor node to apply a conversion to an OpenEXR-formatted clip. If a clip is stored at 16 bits, and you want to connect it to a node that does not support floating point data, you must first attach it to a LUT Editor node to apply a linear conversion to the clip.

You can apply a conversion directly to a clip. When stored as linear data, you can connect the clip to any node in the schematic. You have the option of changing the clip's bit depth, including returning the clip to a bit depth of 16 bits, allowing you to work with the clip's high-dynamic range properties.

See Converting OpenEXR Images and LUT Editor Node.

To apply a conversion directly to a clip:

  1. Select an OpenEXR-formatted clip.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Click Basic and enable the RGB LUT button to use current EXR Display settings.
    • Click RGB LUT to access the clip's LUT Editor, and enable the Active button to use current EXR Display settings.
    • Disable either of these buttons to work with the full range of data in the clip.
  3. To convert the output, select the bit depth in the Destination menu.

To apply a conversion to a clip using the LUT Editor node:

  1. Import or load an OpenEXR-formatted clip stored at 16 bits.
  2. Drag a LUT Editor node to the Batch schematic and connect it to a clip.
  3. Select the node.

    The LUT Editor appears.

  4. From the Conversion LUT Type box, select EXR Display.
  5. To convert the output, select the bit depth in the Destination menu.