Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1. Blender
Compositing
-
Overview
This chapter provides a basic understanding on the role of compositing in a CG
workflow and Blender's importance as a compositor. The following is a list of topics
covered in this chapter:
• Compositing significance in the CG pipeline
• Significance of Blender as a compositor
• Blender-supported formats
• Blender color modes and depths
• Blender color spaces
• Understanding the render layers and render passes concepts
Understanding CG compositing
CG compositing is an assembly of multiple images that are merged and modified to
make a final image. Compositing happens after 3D rendering, as seen in a typical CG
pipeline flow, which is the most expensive phase of CG filmmaking. A well planned
lighting and compositing pipeline can optimize render resources and also provide
unlimited image manipulation functionalities to achieve the desired look for the film.
Though compositing is at the end of the pipeline, with its wide range of toolsets, it can
help to avoid the work of going back to previous departments in the CG pipeline.
The following diagram depicts a CG pipeline flow and also shows where the compos-
ite process fits in:
The strength of compositing lies in modifying the rendered CG footage into a believ-
able output. The following screenshot portrays a
Composited Output
image done
from rendered passes. Many effects such as glare, color corrections, and defocus
