Apple Shake 4 - Manual (Page 547)

Chapter 20 Rotoscoping 547
This chapter covers the RotoShape node as it’s used for rotoscoping. For techniques on
using the RotoShape node to apply masks, see Chapter 19, “
Using Masks .”
Note: You can copy shapes, either partially or in their entirety, between the RotoShape,
Warper, and Morpher nodes. When copying a shape from a RotoShape node to a Warper
or Morpher node, you can assign it as a source, target, or boundary shape. This is
especially useful in cases where you’ve isolated a subject using a RotoShape node already
and you can use that shape as a starting point for your warp effect. Be aware that you
cannot copy shapes in RotoShape nodes that were created in Shake 3.5 or earlier.
Add Shapes Mode Versus Edit Shapes Mode
When the RotoShape node is active, the associated tools appear on the Viewer shelf.
There are two main modes you’ll toggle between when using the RotoShape controls in
the Viewer shelf.
Add Shapes Mode
You initially create shapes using the Add Shapes mode.
Edit Shapes Mode
You modify and animate shapes using the Edit Shapes mode.
Why Use the RotoShape Node Instead of the QuickShape Node?
The RotoShape node is a newer, faster, more flexible, and more able rotoscoping tool
that replaces the QuickShape node.
The RotoShape node has the following advantages over the QuickShape node:
• You can create multiple shapes within the same node.
• You can have a soft-edge falloff on each shape that can be modified independently
on each control point.
• You can make one shape cut a hole into another.
• It is much faster to enter keyframes.
• Once you break a tangent, the tangent remains at the angle you specify until you
break the tangent again.