Layers in a Node Environment

While Oraphim is fundamentally a node-based compositor, the concept of "layers" still exists—it is simply represented mathematically rather than vertically.

Transitioning from Layer-Based Thinking

If you are used to Adobe After Effects or Photoshop, you think of layers stacked like a sandwich. The top layer obscures the bottom layer.

In Oraphim's node graph, the exact same result is achieved using a Merge Node.

  • The Bottom Layer (the bread of your sandwich) is connected to the Yellow (Background) input of the Merge.
  • The Top Layer (the meat of your sandwich) is connected to the Green (Foreground) input of the Merge.

Stacking Multiple "Layers"

If you have a background video, a character keyed over it, and a text graphic on top of everything, you do not stack them vertically. Instead, you string multiple Merge nodes sequentially:

  1. Background Video connects to the Yellow input of Merge 1.
  2. Character Video connects to the Green input of Merge 1.
  3. The output of Merge 1 now contains both elements. You connect this output to the Yellow input of Merge 2.
  4. Text Graphic connects to the Green input of Merge 2.
  5. The output of Merge 2 connects to MediaOut.

This creates a clear visual flowchart of exactly how the layers are composited together.

Multi-Channel Layering (EXR Workflows)

In high-end VFX workflows, 3D artists often render CGI elements in the OpenEXR format. A single .exr file can contain dozens of different "passes" or layers (e.g., Diffuse Color, Specular Highlights, Shadows, Depth, Motion Vectors) embedded inside one clip.

Oraphim supports multi-channel EXR workflows natively.

  1. Bring the .exr file into the graph using a MediaIn node.
  2. Add a Channel Booleans node.
  3. In the Inspector for the Channel Booleans, use the dropdown menus to extract the specific layer you want (e.g., map the Specular channel to the RGB outputs).
  4. You can branch a dozen pipes off a single MediaIn EXR node, extract the individual lighting passes, color correct them independently, and merge them all back together.