Using RotoPaint

Nuke features a vector-based RotoPaint node for help with tasks like rotoscoping, rig removal, garbage matting, and dustbusting. You can draw Bezier and B-Spline shapes with individual and layer group attributes, including per-point and global feather, motion blur, blending modes and individual or hierarchical 2D transformations. This chapter gives full instructions on its usage.

Roto or RotoPaint?

There are two similar nodes in Nuke for rotoscoping, Roto and RotoPaint. The main difference between these two is that you can only create and edit Bezier and B-spline shapes with Roto, while RotoPaint allows you to draw paint strokes too with various brushes. So the Roto node is an optimal choice if you’re doing rotoscoping only, whereas RotoPaint gives you a broader scale of tools to use.

All tools and controls in the Roto node work the same way as they do in RotoPaint, so you can learn about using them in the RotoPaint instructions in this chapter. For instance, see:

• Working with the Toolbars for information about the toolbars in Roto.

• Working with the Stroke/Shape List for information about the shape list in the Roto properties panel.

• Drawing Shapes for information about using the Bezier and B-Spline Tools.

• Selecting Existing Strokes/Shapes for Editing for information about selecting shapes.

• Editing Shape-Specific Attributes for information about editing Bezier and B-Spline attributes.

• Editing Existing Stroke/Shape Timing for information about changing the timing of your shape.

• Animating Strokes/Shapes for information about editing your shapes.

RotoPaint Quick Start

Here's a quick overview of the workflow:

Connect the RotoPaint node to a Viewer and possible backgrounds. For more information, see Connecting the RotoPaint Node.

Select a stroke or a shape tool from the RotoPaint toolbar on the left side of the Viewer. For more information, see Drawing Paint Strokes or Drawing Shapes.

Use the RotoPaint tool settings on the top of the Viewer to adjust the stroke/shape you’re about to draw. For more information, see Working with the Toolbars.

Draw one or more strokes/shapes in the Viewer window. For more information, see for example Using the Brush tool or Using the Bezier and Cusped Bezier Tools.

Select an existing stroke/shape using the Select tools or the stroke/shape list. For more information, see Selecting Existing Strokes/Shapes for Editing.

Use the control panel controls to adjust your existing stroke/shape. For more information, see Editing Existing Stroke/Shape Attributes.

In addition you can:

• Adjust the splines of your stroke/shape. For more information, see Editing Existing Stroke/Shape Splines.

• Animate your strokes/shapes. For more information, see Animating Strokes/Shapes.

• Use RotoPaint in stereoscopic projects. For more information, see RotoPaint and Stereoscopic Projects.

• Set your favorite RotoPaint tool as your default tool. For more information, see Setting Default RotoPaint Tools and Settings.