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The Color tab allows you to adjust the gradient and repetition of the gradient colors for the generated pattern.
Use this control to determine the type of gradation applied at the borders of the pattern.
This causes the edges of the pattern to blend to the background color.
This causes the edges of the pattern to be solid.
This affects the width of the gradation from the pattern to the background color.
These controls set the color values of the pattern generators.
Common Controls
The Image and Settings tabs in the Inspector are duplicated in other generator nodes. These common controls are described in detail at the end of this chapter in “The Common Controls” section.
Plasma [Plas]
The Plasma node
Plasma Node Introduction
The Plasma node is a background generation node that uses four circular patterns to generate images similar to plasma. It is useful as a deforming pattern for the Shadow and Deform nodes and to create a variety of other useful shapes and patterns. It is similar to the Fast Noise node.
Inputs
The one input on the Plasma node is for an effect mask to limit the area where the plasma pattern is applied.
— Effect Mask: The optional blue effect mask input accepts a mask shape created by polylines, basic primitive shapes, paint strokes, or bitmaps from other tools. Connecting a mask to this input limits the plasma to only those pixels within the mask.
Basic Node Setup
Like the Mandelbrot node, the Plasma node generates images that can be used for motion graphics and sci-fi effects. Below, it is used to generate motion graphics for the background of a title.
A Plasma node applied as a background to a Merge node
Inspector
Plasma node Circles tab
Circles Tab
The Circles tab controls the shape and pattern generated by the Plasma node.
The Scale control is used to adjust the size of the pattern created.
The options in this menu determine the mathematical relationship among the four circles whenever they intersect.
Select the type of circle to be used.
Report and change the position of the circle center.
Determines the size of the circle to be used for the pattern.