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The Merge 3D node
Merge 3D Introduction
The Merge 3D node is the primary node in Fusion that you use to combine separate 3D elements into the same 3D environment.
For example, in a scene created with an image plane, a camera, and a light, the camera would not be able to see the image plane and the light would not affect the image plane until all three objects are introduced into the same environment using the Merge 3D node.
The Merge provides the standard transformation controls found on most nodes in Fusion’s 3D suite. Unlike those nodes, changes made to the translation, rotation, or scale of the Merge affect all the objects connected to the Merge. This behavior forms the basis for all parenting in Fusion’s 3D environment.
Inputs
The Merge node displays only two inputs initially, but as each input is connected a new input appears on the node, assuring there is always one free to add a new element into the scene.
— SceneInput[#]: These multicolored inputs are used to connect image planes, 3D cameras, lights, entire 3D scenes, as well as other Merge 3D nodes. There is no limit to the number of inputs this node can accept. The node dynamically adds more inputs as needed, ensuring that there is always at least one input available for connection.
Basic Node Setup
The Merge 3D is the hub of a 3D composite. All elements in a 3D scene connect into a Merge 3D.
Multiple Merge 3D nodes can be strung together to control lighting or for neater organization. The last Merge 3D in a string must connect to a Renderer 3D to be output as a 2D image.
Merge 3D with a connected Image Plane, FBX Mesh object, SpotLight, and camera