DVE Node

DVE is a middle ground between the 2D Transform (limited to a Z axis) and 3D Transform (which needs a complete scene with a Camera 3D and Renderer 3D). The DVE works in "fake 3D" - it simulates X/Y rotations with perspective, without needing a full 3D setup.

Extremely efficient for classic broadcast effects: a shot that flips like a card, a screen that turns to reveal other content, transitions with rotation. It inherits the look of 90s post-production gear (Quantel, Chyron).

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

Transform 2D

Rotation around the Z axis only (in the image plane). No perspective. Fast.

DVE

X, Y, Z rotations + perspective + Z Move. Simulates 3D without a full 3D scene. Slower than Transform, faster than a real 3D scene.

3D scene (Image Plane + Camera 3D)

Real 3D with a camera, lighting, reflections. For complex integrations. Heavier.

Rule: rotation in the plane → Transform. Card flip / simple perspective → DVE. Full 3D integration → an Image Plane 3D scene.

• Primary Input (orange) - 2D image to transform.
• DVE Mask (white) - pre-transformation masking. The mask is applied before the DVE transformation (the masked image is then rotated/zoomed).
• Effect Mask (blue) - optional. Limits the DVE area after processing.

Simple card flip:
MediaIn → DVE (Rotate Y animated 0 → 180°) → Merge → MediaOut

Card flip transition between 2 shots:
MediaIn A → DVE (Rotate Y 0 → 90°) →
MediaIn B → DVE (Rotate Y -90 → 0°) →  Merge
                                        ↑
              Switch in the middle of the animation

Broadcast perspective tilt:
MediaIn → DVE (Rotate X 15°, Perspective 0.2) → Merge
     = the image is "tilted" as if seen from below

Rotation X / Y / Z

Rotation around each of the 3 axes (in degrees). Z = classic rotation in the image plane. X = tilt forward/back. Y = swing left/right (card flip).

Rotation Order

Order in which the rotations are applied (XYZ, XZY, YXZ, etc.). Changes the final result when several axes are animated at the same time.

Pivot X / Y / Z

Reference point for rotations and scaling. Moving the Pivot lets you rotate around an external axis (e.g. the edge of the image for a flip that starts from the edge).

Center X / Y

Position of the final image after transformation (like Transform 2D).

Z Move

Movement along the Z axis - a zoom in/out effect. Negative value = moving away (smaller image), positive = moving closer.

Perspective

Adjusts the strength of the perspective applied to the X/Y rotations. 0 = flat orthographic rotation. Higher = a stronger 3D effect.

Black Background / Fill Black

Toggles that control transparency outside/inside the masked areas.

Ignore Alpha

The incoming alpha is ignored - the image is treated as opaque.

Subtractive

For non-premultiplied images.

Additive

For premultiplied images (the standard for 3D renders and keyers).

• Card flip / page turn - Rotate Y animated 0 → 180° = the image flips over like a card. A classic motion design transition.
• Rotating screen (broadcast transition) - two shots, each with a DVE, swinging symmetrically = a gradual reveal of new content.
• Documentary perspective tilt - subtle Rotate X + moderate Perspective = a shot with a slightly high-angle view, vintage broadcast style.
• Zoom with perspective - animated Z Move = a zoom that respects perspective, unlike a classic Transform Size that scales without depth.
• Simulated picture-in-picture rotation - a PIP of a secondary shot that turns slightly toward the camera to draw attention.
• 90s news broadcast look - DVE with strong perspective = floating shots in the style of Fox News / vintage broadcast.
• Logo intro in perspective - a logo that comes in with an X/Y rotation and an increasing Z Move = a dynamic 3D-like entrance.

• Pivot on the edge = hinge - for a page turn that starts from the left edge, Pivot X = 0. The image pivots around the edge instead of the center.
• Rotation Order matters when several axes are animated. Try different orders if the result is not intuitive.
• Moderate Perspective for broadcast - 0.2-0.4 gives a classic broadcast look. 0.8+ = a fisheye / exaggerated look.
• Z Move vs Size - Z Move respects perspective when the X/Y rotation is not zero. 2D Size does not. For a believable zoom on a tilted shot, use Z Move.
• DVE limitations vs real 3D - no lighting, shadows or reflections. For a believable integration into a 3D scene, use Image Plane 3D + Camera 3D.
• DVE Mask for a transformed mask - if you want a mask to follow the DVE transformation (rather than applying it to the final result), use the DVE Mask input (pre-transformation).
• For clean back-to-back card flips, use a Dissolve with two symmetrically configured DVEs + an ease-in-out curve on each animation.