Macros and Pre-Compositions

As node graphs grow to include hundreds of nodes, they can become visually cluttered and difficult to manage. Oraphim offers two main ways to organize your logic: Groups and Macros.

Grouping Nodes

If you have a complex cluster of 15 nodes that are responsible for generating a localized explosion effect, you don't need to see all 15 nodes taking up space on your screen once the effect is finalized.

  1. Marquee select all 15 nodes.
  2. Right-click any of the selected nodes.
  3. Select Group (or press Ctrl + G / Cmd + G).

The 15 nodes will collapse into a single, clean node box on your canvas.

  • To open the group and adjust the internal nodes, double-click the Group node. It will open in a new tab.
  • To dissolve the group, right-click it and select Ungroup.

Creating Macros

A Macro takes grouping a step further. It allows you to package a complex node tree into a custom tool, expose only the specific sliders you care about, and save it to the Effects Library for use in other projects.

Imagine you build a lower-third title graphic that uses 30 nodes (Text, Rectangles, Drop Shadows, Keyframe Animations).

Step 1: Building the Macro

  1. Select all the nodes that make up your title graphic.
  2. Right-click and choose Macro > Create Macro.
  3. A massive dialog box will appear, listing every single parameter for every single node you selected.

Step 2: Exposing Parameters

By default, all parameters are hidden. You must manually check the boxes for the specific controls you want the end-user to be able to change without opening the node graph.

  1. Scroll down to your Text1 node.
  2. Check the box next to Styled Text (so the user can change the name).
  3. Check the box next to Font and Color.
  4. Scroll to your Rectangle1 node.
  5. Check the box next to Color (so the user can change the background box color).

Step 3: Saving

  1. Name your macro at the top of the dialog (e.g., "Corporate_LowerThird").
  2. Click Save.
  3. Save it in the default Oraphim Macros directory.

Step 4: Using the Macro

Now, in any future project, you can simply press Shift + Spacebar, type "Corporate_LowerThird", and your custom tool will appear as a single, clean node. If you look at the Inspector, it won't show 30 nodes worth of confusing math—it will only show the text box, font dropdown, and color picker that you explicitly exposed!