Background Node

Background is the go-to generator for anything involving procedural 2D color. No source input is needed - it produces an image from the Inspector settings.

Typical uses:

• Composition background (solid or gradient)
• Source for a mask (black→white gradient as the input of a Vari Blur)
• Reference color for a keyer or a color grade
• Test plate (solid color for debugging)
• Gradient for a sky, toon shading, a light effect

• Effects Library: Tools > Generator > Background
• Quick add: right-click in the Node Editor → Add Tool > Generator > Background

• Effect Mask (blue) - optional. A mask that limits the generated color to the masked pixels. Lets you create localized gradients.

No source input - Background generates its own image.

Background → Merge 2D → Saver
   ↑ (optional mask)

Solid Color

A single color over the whole image.

Horizontal

Horizontal 2-color gradient (left → right).

Vertical

Vertical 2-color gradient (bottom → top).

Four Corner

Four-corner gradient: each corner has its own color, and the image interpolates between the four.

When the Type is a gradient, the Gradient Type menu chooses the pattern:

• Linear - a simple gradient from one point to another (start → end).
• Reflect - mirrored at the center (symmetrical).
• Square - concentric square pattern.
• Cross - cross-shaped gradient (dual axis).
• Radial - circular, from the center to the edges (perfect for a halo / spotlight).
• Angle - conical gradient around a center point.

Color swatches

Start/end colors or the 4 corner colors depending on the Type. Click to pick an exact color with a color picker.

Gradient Color Bar

An editable bar with color stops. Click to add a stop, drag to move it, double-click to edit the color, right-click to copy/duplicate/delete. Can be animated.

Start / End position markers

Points visible in the viewer. Move them directly to orient a Linear gradient or position a Radial one.

Offset

Shifts the gradient along its direction. Can be animated to scroll a pattern.

Repeat

• Once - a single gradient, no repetition.
• Repeat - looped gradient.
• Ping-pong - flips the direction on each repetition (avoids harsh transitions).

Sub-Pixel

Sub-pixel precision to avoid banding on very soft gradients.

Interpolation Space

Color space for interpolating between stops (RGB, HSV). HSV gives transitions that go through every intermediate hue.

• Composition background - Solid Color + Merge 2D under the subject = a simple background.
• Sky gradient - Vertical, dark blue Top / orange Bottom → an instant dusk sky.
• Halo / vignette - Gradient Type = Radial, transparent center, opaque black edge. Applied in multiply over the final image.
• Mask for Vari Blur - a grayscale gradient plugged into the Blur Image input of a Vari Blur → blur that varies with position.
• Test plate - Solid Color (e.g. 50% 1+ green to debug a keyer).
• Animated pattern - a gradient with an animated Offset + Repeat Ping-pong = a pattern that oscillates (hypnotic effect, water flow).
• Fake toon shading - Four Corner with contrasting colors to simulate simplified shading on a plane.

• Animate Offset rather than the individual stops for a scrolling pattern without keyframing every stop.
• Ping-pong avoids jumps - on a looped gradient with an animated Offset, Once or Repeat create a visible jump at the loop. Ping-pong handles the transition.
• HSV interpolation for "color-rich" transitions. RGB is sometimes too "gray" in the middle of a red→blue gradient (it passes through gray).
• Sub-Pixel enabled on very soft 8-bit gradients - avoids visible banding.
• For a complex mask, combine several Backgrounds of different types with Merge 2D + blend modes (Add, Multiply, Screen).
• Resolution - Background uses the comp resolution by default. For a custom resolution, change it in the Image tab.