Yusuf's Thoughts

COMP - Components

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COMP - Components

COMPs are structural nodes. They can contain other networks or provide specialized functionality.

3D Components

  • Geometry: Holds SOPs and MATs for rendering.
  • Camera: Defines the viewpoint for a Render TOP.
  • Light: Illuminates your 3D scene.

Panel Components (UI)

  • Container: A layout box for building custom user interfaces.
  • Button: A clickable UI element.
  • Slider: A draggable UI element.

Utility

  • Base: A simple container to keep your network organized (Folders).

Custom Parameters

One of the most powerful features of COMPs (especially Base COMPs) is the ability to create Custom Parameters.

  • Right-click a COMP and select “Customize Component…“.
  • You can add sliders, toggles, and string inputs to the outside of the node.
  • This allows you to build reusable “modules”. You interact with the custom sliders on the outside, and Python/CHOP references drive the complex logic hidden on the inside.

How to Use Components

To use Components effectively in your network:

  1. Adding a COMP: Double-click on the network pane to open the OP Create Dialog, hit the ‘TAB’ key, and select the COMP family (gray color).
  2. Encapsulation: Use a Base COMP or Container COMP to group multiple nodes. Simply select the nodes you want to group, right-click, and choose “Collapse Selected”. This moves them inside a new Base COMP, keeping your main network clean.
  3. Navigating In/Out: You can enter a COMP by scrolling into it with your mouse wheel or pressing i while selected. To exit, zoom out or press u.
  4. Connecting: COMPs typically connect to other COMPs (like wire connections between Geometry COMPs and a Render COMP). They have special inputs/outputs depending on their type, and can pass internal data outside using In/Out components inside them.
  5. Custom Parameters Interface: Right-click the COMP and select “Customize Component” to add your own parameters, creating a clean modular interface for complex internal mechanics.

(y-) Next Page: Geo COMP

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