After all, compositing in its most basic form is putting images on top of one another. Merge is one of the most important nodes in Nuke’s toolbox. Labels take the ambiguous “Rotopaint15” and add a precise “LeftElbow”. These labels allow you to define the purpose of an individual node. Finally, node labels can turn a bees nest of a node graph into something that’s at least workable. They’re simple text boxes that live on your node graph for note-taking or explanation. Sticky notes are similar to leaving comments for yourself when programming. These are three forms of keeping track of your work and communicating information about your script to yourself for later or your fellow artists.īackdrops allow you to compartmentalize portions of your node graph so that you can easily move, rearrange, and disable complex portions of your script. The second step to Nuke’s node graph organization is the use of backdrops, sticky notes, and node labels. This structure keeps your graph organized and allows you to disable and enable parts of your composition through your merge nodes alone. The merge node intuitively lends itself to a structure that follows a B pipeline: one stream of merge B connections from your plate to your viewer. The most basic example of this is the “over” operation which will place element “A” over element “B”. In Nuke, merge nodes-which are used to marry two elements or parts of your composition-perform operations with A representing one element and B representing the other. The first step to an organized node graph is upholding a B pipe structure. This language allows you to work with your own graphs smoothly, but is also absolutely necessary for working in a collaborative space-you may be fine with your own desk being messy, but what if someone else had to use it?
#Nuke 10 basics to render free#
This is fine in theory, but when it comes to Nuke’s free and open node graph structure there is a language to follow. You’re an artist, and you want to have your own process. These five habits for Nuke beginners give a few starting points for this foundation. Though experience is your strongest resource as you master any program, it’s important to build a framework that enables growth as soon as possible. For these artists, and those with no experience at all, the barebones Nuke UI and node graph process can be intimidating to learn. Nuke is an industry standard in both film and commercial environments and one of the strongest freelance tools you can add to your arsenal as either a 2D generalist or a compositor.Ī lot of artists come across Nuke after a couple years of experience on programs with less complex compositing tools such as After Effects or even Photoshop. A node-based workflow, 3D toolsets, robust channel controls, and more make this a “big boy” program in every sense of the word. The Foundry’s Nuke is the complete compositing package. Nuke is an industry standard in both film and commercial environments and one of the strongest freelance tools you can add to your arsenal as either a 2D generalist or a compositor.