composite the glare element over 0% opacity

[mark_aldred]

Any ideas on how I can composite the glare element over 0% opacity?

[hermit.crab]

Do you mean you wish to have a transparent background in the element? Usually, you comp it through an addition function (linear dodge, etc.). We do not output a mask, which would have been a solution. Otherwise, what's your use case?

[mark_aldred]

Thanks.
I have a scene with objects floating in the sky surrounded by a glare. I have to provide output with the sky 100% transparent. So I need some kind of mask to either knock out the sky and leave the object glare, or a way to composite the glare element over the RGB output (with 100%transparent sky) in After Effects.

[hermit.crab]

Not sure how you can do it flawlessly without a perfect mask for the lens effects. I've tried some methods, but the results are not great. The Lens Effects work by addition by design. I suppose in your case the Glare should be provided separately.

[mark_aldred]

Thanks. I'll continue looking and post if I come up with anything.

[Joelaff]

Addition is the “correct” approach, but in years past we used to “unmultiply” flares.

https://www.provideocoalition.com/un...out-a-plug-in/

It will not be the same as addition, but sometimes is adequate. Those principles can be applied to any compositing app.

[mark_aldred]

Addition is the “correct” approach, but in years past we used to “unmultiply” flares.

https://www.provideocoalition.com/un...out-a-plug-in/

It will not be the same as addition, but sometimes is adequate. Those principles can be applied to any compositing app.

Thanks.
That looks really useful.