The parallax effect creates the illusion of 3D depth in a 2D layer.
In this example parallax has been used to apply a cracked concrete texture to some text:
- Preset: Choose from a variety of built-in presets, each of which gives you a predefined set of values for the effect controls. Presets can be used as-is, or as a starting point for further adjustments.
- Height Map: Select a layer to use as a height map. When set to None the host layer’s own texture will be used for the parallax effect. You can also choose a different layer to use as the height map. Values above middle gray in the selected map will be raised, and values below middle gray will be lowered to generate depth.
- Depth: Defines the range between the highest and lowest areas within the height map.
- Invert Map: Enable this toggle to invert the map, so dark areas are raised and bright areas are lowered.
- Blur Height Map: Increasing the blur softens finer details in the height map, producing a smoother result.
Illumination
The parallax effect is most effective when it is combines with HitFilm’s 3D lights. The illumination controls determine how the lights interact with the parallax texture.
- Type: Select the type of illumination used for the effect.
- Comp Lights: All lights created within the composite shot affect the parallax effect results.
- Selected Lights: Only specific lights will affect the parallax effect results. Use this option to select the specific lights you wish to include.
- Material: The material settings define how the parallax texture to the illumination it receives.
- Ambient: Determines how much the parallax is illuminated by ambient lights.
- Diffuse: Determines how much the parallax is illuminated by point, directional and spot lights.
- Specular: Adjusts the strength of specular highlights when illuminated by point, directional and spot lights. A low specular value will create a more matte surface.
- Shininess: Adjusts the size of the specular highlight. A low shininess creates a large, diffuse highlight while a high value creates a smaller, defined highlight.