Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
The node editor cannot be activated unless a material has been applied to the selected
object in the 3D window. In the node editor window header, tick the “Use Nodes” box and
two nodes will display in the window: material and output (Figure 18.3). Note that the
sphere in the “Material” button - preview panel is now a black circle, which is what is dis-
played in the output node panel.
18.1.1 Resizing Nodes
Click and hold on the little cross hatched triangle in the lower RH corner of the node and
drag your mouse to resize the node panel. You should now see the word “Output” in the
header of the output node.
18.1.2 Expanding and Collapsing Nodes
Besides changing the size of a node panel, you can also expand and collapse it to save space
on the screen. Look at the material node header: there is a + sign in a circle, an icon like
the properties window icon, and a sphere like the “Material” button icon. Clicking on any
of these icons will toggle between expanding and collapsing the node panel in different
ways, so click and experiment to determine the difference (Figure 18.4). Node systems can
become very complex so it is very handy to be able to minimize the size of the nodes. To
toggle between expanding and collapsing the node entirely, click on the gray triangle at the
LHS of the header.
Figure 18.4
Default material node
Click “New.”
When the + sign
is clicked
When the bars
are clicked
When the sphere
is clicked
Click the gray
triangle.
18.1.3 Moving and Arranging Nodes
Click and hold anywhere in the node panel and drag the mouse to move the node.
 
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