Composite Layers

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A Composite Layer is a special layer type that flattens all layers below it into a single image. This flattened image can then have operators (effects) applied to it, allowing you to process multiple layers as if they were one.

Without a Composite Layer, operators can only be applied to individual layers. With a Composite Layer, you can apply effects like blur, color correction, or glow to the combined result of multiple layers at once.

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How It Works

When a scene renders, layers are processed from bottom to top (Layer 0 first, then Layer 1, etc.). When a Composite Layer is encountered:

  1. All layers below the Composite Layer are flattened into a single image

  2. The Composite Layer's operators are applied to this flattened image

  3. Rendering continues with any layers above the Composite Layer

How to add a Composite Layer

  1. Right-click on an existing input to open the Scene Layer context menu.

  2. Select Add composite layer

  3. A new [Composite Layer] will appear.

When to Use Composite Layers

Composite Layers are useful when you want to:

  • Apply effects to multiple layers at once – For example, apply a single blur or glow effect to a group of graphics

  • Create a cohesive look – Apply color grading to everything below a certain point in the layer stack

  • Optimize performance – In some cases, applying one effect to a flattened image is faster than applying separate effects to many layers

  • Create complex visual effects – Chain multiple composite layers for multi-stage post-processing

  • Apply selective effects – Use a mask to control which areas are affected by the operators

Examples

Example 1: Blur Background Elements

You have a background video with text overlays, and you want to blur everything behind your main presenter:

Layer 0: Background video
        Layer 1: Lower third graphic
        Layer 2: Logo
        Layer 3: [Composite Layer] + Blur operator
        Layer 4: Presenter video (not blurred)

Result: The background, lower third, and logo are blurred together, while the presenter remains sharp.

Example 2: Color Grade Multiple Layers

Apply consistent color correction to all your background elements:

Layer 0: Background image
        Layer 1: Particle effect overlay
        Layer 2: Light leak overlay
        Layer 3: [Composite Layer] + Color Correction operator + Vignette operator
        Layer 4: Main content

Result: All background elements share the same color grade and vignette.

Example 3: Multi-Stage Processing

Use multiple Composite Layers for complex effects:

Layer 0: Video A
        Layer 1: Video B
        Layer 2: [Composite Layer] + Blend/Mix effect
        Layer 3: Graphic overlay
        Layer 4: [Composite Layer] + Final color grade
        Layer 5: Watermark

Result: Videos A and B are first composited with a blend effect, then a graphic is added, then everything gets color graded, and finally the watermark appears on top (unaffected by the color grade).

Example 4: Selective Blur with Mask

Apply blur only to a specific area of the composition:

Layer 0: Background video
        Layer 1: Presenter video
        Layer 2: Circular mask graphic (set to "Apply to next - Additive")
        Layer 3: [Composite Layer] + Blur operator

Result: Only the area inside the circular mask is blurred. The rest of the image remains sharp.

Properties

A Composite Layer has the same properties as a regular layer:

  • Visibility – Show or hide the composite layer

  • Opacity – Control the transparency of the composited result

  • Transform – Position, scale, and rotate the composited result

  • Blend Mode – Control how the composited result blends with layers above

  • Operators – Add any video operators to process the flattened image

Tips

  • Layer order matters – A Composite Layer only affects layers below it in the stack

  • No input required – Unlike regular layers, a Composite Layer doesn't need an input source; it uses the flattened image from layers below

  • Background color – The scene's background color is included in the flattened image

  • Multiple composites – You can use multiple Composite Layers in a scene; each one flattens everything above the previous Composite Layer (or from the bottom if it's the first one)

  • Mask placement – For selective effects, place the mask layer directly below the Composite Layer

  • Mask graphics – Use any image with transparency as a mask; the alpha channel controls the effect area

Limitations

  • Audio is not affected by Composite Layers; audio mixing works the same as with regular layers

  • A Composite Layer at the bottom of the layer stack (Layer 0) will only contain the scene's background color

  • Only one mask layer can be applied to a Composite Layer (the layer directly below it with "Apply to next" mode)