How to Add Composite in Toon Boom

Adding a Composite node in Toon Boom Harmony is a straightforward process used to combine the outputs of multiple nodes.

A Composite node acts as a central point where different drawing, effect, or transformation branches converge before being displayed or exported. It is essential for layering and blending various elements in your scene.

Based on the provided reference, here are two methods to add a Composite node:

Methods to Add a Composite Node

You can easily insert a Composite node directly within the Node View. Before adding it, it's often helpful to select all the nodes to which you want the Composite to be connected. This allows the software to automatically link the selected nodes as inputs to the new Composite.

Here are the specific steps you can follow:

Method 1: Using the Right-Click Context Menu

One common way to add a node is through the right-click menu in the Node View:

1. Navigate to the Node View.
2. Right-click anywhere within the Node View panel.
3. From the context menu that appears, select Insert.
4. Choose the Combine submenu.
5. Select Composite from the Combine options.

Reference Text Used: Right-click in the Node View and select Insert Combine Composite.

Method 2: Using the Node View's View Menu

Another way is to use the menu located within the Node View itself:

1. Ensure you are focused on the Node View.
2. Look at the top-left corner of the Node View panel.
3. Click on the View Menu (often represented by an arrow or gear icon, or simply "View").
4. From the dropdown menu, select Insert.
5. Choose Composite from the list of available nodes.

Reference Text Used: In the top-left corner of the Node VIew, open the View Menu and select Insert Composite.

Understanding the Composite Node

The Composite node is a fundamental element in the Node View workflow. Think of it as a layer stack manager. All branches leading to the final output (like the Scene or Display node) must typically pass through one or more Composite nodes.

Key Functionality:

• Combines Inputs: Merges the rendering results of all connected input nodes.
• Layering: Determines the drawing order based on the connections and internal node settings.
• Transparency Handling: Manages how transparent areas from different inputs interact.

Node Type	Purpose
Composite	Combine node outputs
Drawing	Hold bitmap/vector art
Effect	Apply visual filters
Transform	Position, rotate, scale

Using Composites effectively is crucial for managing complexity and ensuring your scene elements are rendered correctly together.