VFB Composition Helper

[glorybound]

I would like to have a way to toggle on/off an overlay, over the VFB, to help with composition. Maybe, rules of thirds, golden triangles, and golden ratio

[Warifus]

I use this for rule of thirds.

Just make a 32-bit exr with your overlay image (ie strokes). I haven't been able to get any other file to work, seems to have something to do with how the VFB reads transparency.

In the VFB controls you can tick "Background Image" load your exr. And tick "As Foreground"

Maybe there is a better way...

[glorybound]

Interesting, thanks. I will try that. I do the rules of thirds in MAX's viewport, but I have been using the IPR, so it would be nice to have it right in the VFB.

I use this for rule of thirds.

Just make a 32-bit exr with your overlay image (ie strokes). I haven't been able to get any other file to work, seems to have something to do with how the VFB reads transparency.

In the VFB controls you can tick "Background Image" load your exr. And tick "As Foreground"

Maybe there is a better way...

[Alex_M]

That would be nice addition. Actually, you can already do this. It's a bit "hacky" but I find that it works. Just load a transparent PNG into the "Background Image" rollout in VFB (make sure you also enable "As Foreground") and you'll have this image overlaid over your render. Not as fast and elegant as a built-in solution but should do the trick for now. You can try with this image.

Another way to do it is to use the ImageCompHelper script but it overlays it over the viewport instead of the VFB.

Here's an example of the 1st method:



EDIT: Warifus beat me to it!

[vlado]

I guess it would be nice to have a drop-down selection of some predefined overlays... will make a note about it.

Best regards,
Vlado

[hoppergrass]

I like the way Photoshop's Crop tool allows you to cycle and flip the different composition helpers

[Macker]

Another way to do it is to use the ImageCompHelper script but it overlays it over the viewport instead of the VFB.

I use this in almost all projects these days - it's not perfect, but it does a good enough job.

[glorybound]

I tired that, but it doesn't work in MAX 2017

I use this in almost all projects these days - it's not perfect, but it does a good enough job.

[glorybound]

I never tried that. I'll look into it, but in the VFB would be awesome. Flipping the image would be neat, too.

I like the way Photoshop's Crop tool allows you to cycle and flip the different composition helpers

[Alex_M]

I just thought of another way to go about this. Save your rendered image and then load it as a background in your viewport. Then hide everything in your scene and use the ImageCompHelper script to easily cycle through the various composition aids. Haven't tried it but I think it should work.