10. Mari 4 - Working with the Node Graph
Part of Mari 4 - Fundamentals and Best Practice.
In the Video:
Essentials of working in the Node Graph.
Test Your Knowledge
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1.
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What is the hotkey to auto-layout the nodes in the Node Graph? |
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2.
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How do you create a new node from the Node Graph? |
Reveal answer
While in the Node Graph, press Tab on the keyboard to open the node selection window. From there, either select the node from the dropdown, or type in the node name. Alternatively, right-click in the Node Graph, select Nodes, and drill down to the required node.
You can also use keyboard hotkeys for certain nodes like M for the Merge node.
Exercise
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1.
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Open the Node Graph by clicking on the Node Graph button from the right side tool windows menu, or by double-clicking the Node Graph window name at the bottom of the viewer window (if visible). |
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2.
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If you are continuing from previous exercises, the Node Graph should be populated with various nodes scattered about. Press the L on the keyboard to auto-align the nodes in a more organized manner. |
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3.
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With the cursor in the Node Graph area, press Space on the keyboard to maximize the panel so you can see the node structure. |
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4.
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While in the Node Graph area, press Tab on the keyboard to bring up the node selection box. |
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5.
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Click the dropdown arrow to see a list of available nodes or if you know the name of the node you would like to use, type it into the node selection box. |
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6.
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Bring in different nodes to the Node Graph and double-click the nodes to open their Properties panel to familiarize yourself with their controls. |
Practice
The Node Graph is a powerful feature in Mari and understanding it can set you apart from the rest. Open the Node Graph and create any number of nodes. Practice the different ways to create them as well as navigating in the Node Graph. Create a Paint node and connect it to multiple Merge nodes, rearrange the Node Graph and practice using Backdrop nodes. Take your time to get comfortable using the Node Graph.