The BCC+ Pixel Chooser is a matte/mask generator and is available as a standalone filter and as an option integrated into almost every filter in the Continuum package.
The integrated version provides a way to select which pixels in the filtered source will be affected by a Continuum filter, via the generation of image based mattes, gradient mattes and vector shape masks. Mocha planar tracking and vector shape masking options are included in the Pixel Chooser, which allows for the generation of motion-tracked mask shapes as a hold-back mask.
The standalone version of the Pixel Chooser includes all of the same features that are in the integrated version and can be used to generate a track matte for use with a host image layer for seamless composites. It can be used to generate an alpha channel for an RGB image source layer and also includes options to augment an existing alpha channel in an RGBA image source.
There are three main parameter groups in the Pixel Chooser : Mask, Gradient and Matte.
Masks are vector based and generated using one of 3 methods : built-in simple geometric shapes, host mask shapes from Adobe After Effects, or Mocha generated shapes. Mocha masks have the advantage of being trackable with the Mocha planar tracker.
Gradients are generated procedurally and options are included for linear, radial or strip ramps.
Mattes are pixel based and are generated via a selected channel from a user selected host source layer. Integrated tools for adjusting the matte include levels, range and threshold controls along with an option to generate a color key by selecting two color points from the selected image layer, which is quite helpful when trying to isolate a human face.
Presets and the FX Editor
The FX Editor provides a convenient way to store and retrieve factory installed and/or user generated filter presets. To select a preset, open the FX Editor interface and pick one from the Presets panel. Click the apply button in the FX Editor to return to the host user interface.
To save a custom preset, click the “Create Custom Preset” icon in the top right corner of the parameter list, next to the filter name, set a name for the new custom preset in the dialog that appears and click done.
Filter Parameters
Mocha Mask and Track provides a way for the user to select and track which pixels in the filtered source are actually going to be affected by the filter, via the generation of image based mattes, gradient mattes and vector shape masks. Mocha planar tracking and vector shape masking options are included in the PixelChooser, which allows for the generation of motion-tracked mask shapes as a hold-back mask.
For more information on the Mocha Masking and Tracking, Click Here.
Compare Mode
The BCC Compare Mode provides a convenient mechanism to compare the effect result with the original source layer. It provides several variations on basic split-screen views with the filtered clip placed next to the unedited original.
For more information on the Compare Mode, Click Here.
Output: use to set the final render from the Pixel Chooser
- B-W Matte
- Alpha Channel
- Multiple Alpha
- Screen Alpha
- Stencil Alpha
- Mask Unchosen Pixel
The Pixel Chooser Group
View Mask/Matte: Used to enable to see the generated mask/matte from the Pixel Chooser, which is useful while tuning the matte
Mask: contains parameters to generate and tune Pixel Chooser masks
Shape: Used to set the mask type for the Pixel Chooser
- Off
- Shape – Circle
- Shape – Ellipse
- Shape – Rectangle
- Shape – Rounded Rectangle
- Shape – Mocha Spline
- AE Host Mask (After Effects Only)
Opacity: Used to control the overall opacity / intensity of the mask
Invert Mask: Inverts the mask when enabled
Mask Feather: Used to soften or feather the edges of the mask shape
Roundness: Used to set the roundness of the selected mask shape
Use AE Host Mask: Provides options for using Adobe After Effects native host mask shapes
- Use All: uses all mask shapes in the selected PixelChooser layer
- Use Single: allows the user to select a single AE native mask shape. When this option is selected, the Select Host Mask pop-up become active and displays a list of the current AE native host mask shapes that are present in the selected PixelChooser layer. Select a single mask shape from the list to use it
- Choose by Name: allows the user to select mask shapes based on their naming convention. When this option is selected, the Name Starts With pop-up becomes active and displays a list from which the user can select.
Select Mask: Used to select AE mask shape(s) from the filtered source
- List of AE host masks
Mask Name Starts With: Enables the selection of an AE native mask shape by name
- Anything: selects all masks regardless of the name)
- A Through I: only masks beginning with the chosen letter are selected
- Mask: all masks shapes that are named Mask are selected
Mask Center: Used to reposition the mask
Mask Rotation: Used to rotate the mask
Scale Mask: Used to increase or decrease the size of the mask uniformly
Scale Mask X: Used to scale the mask along the x axis only
Scale Mask Y: Used to scale the mask along the y axis only
The Gradient Group
Gradient Type: Use to select the type of gradient ramp that is being generated
- Off
- Circular
- Linear
- Strip
Opacity: Used to control the overall opacity / intensity of the gradient mask
Center: Used to reposition the mask shape along the x/y axis
Aspect: Used to stretch or squish the gradient along the x / y axis
Central Radius: Used to set the size of the circular gradient
Falloff Radius: Used to set the length of the circular gradient ramp
Falloff: bias control for the gradient falloff
Size: Used to control the length of the linear or strip gradients
Angle: Used to set the angle of the linear or strip gradients
Invert Gradient: Used to invert the gradient
The Matte Group
Channel: Used to select a channel for the PixelChooser source clip for the matte
- None: no pixels from the input source are used
- Luma: only values from the luma channel are used
- Red: only values from the red channel are used
- Green: only values from the green channel are used
- Blue: only values from the blue channel are used
- Alpha: only values from the alpha channel are used
- Key: only pixels that fall into the range set by the color swatches are used
Opacity: Used to control the overall opacity / intensity of the generated matte
Matte Layer: Used to select a source layer for the matte section of the PixelChooser
Matte Type: Used to select an operator which can modify pixels in the selected channel
- Levels: matte is based on user determined black and white levels
- Threshold: matte is based on a user defined midpoint
- Range: matte is based on user defined start and end points
Pre Smoothing Amount: Used to control upstream edge-aware smoothing which can generate smoother masks without softening important image detail
Preserve Contrast: Used in conjunction with the pre smoothing option to preserve contrast in the matte
Black Level: Used to control the shadow areas of the matte when using levels
White Level: Used to control the highlight areas of the matte when using levels
Threshold: Used to set the threshold for the black/white regions of the matte
Range From: Used to set the start point (highlight) for a range based matte
Range To: Used to set the end point (shadow) for a range based matte
Softness: Used to expand or contract a threshold or range based matte
Key Color A: Used to set color for keyer
Key Color B: Used to set color for keyer
Hue Softness: Used to expand or contract the hue values used by the keyer
Saturation Softness: Used to expand or contract the saturation values used by the keyer
Luma Softness: Used to expand or contract the luma values used by the keyer
Clip Black: Used to control the shadow region of mattes generated by the keyer
Clip White: Used to control the highlight region of mattes generated by the keyer
Gamma: Used to adjust the gamma of mattes generated by the keyer
Choke: Used to shrink/spread the generated matte
Blur: Used to post soften or blur the generated matte
Invert Matte: Used to invert the generated matte
GPU Rendering: This popup allows toggles renderer in use for the filter.
- Default: By default the filter will utilize the installed video card and bases the render on the project settings.
- 16 Bit Float: Sets the render to 16 bit float
- 32 Bit Float: Sets the render to 32 bit float
- Disabled: Disables GPU rendering and switches to software rendering.