Inspired by Node-based workflows. We often want to combine different mattes into one layer without the need of pre-comping—and then even use the same matte for multiple layers.

If we improve the already existing "Set Matte" Effect with the functions of the "Track Matte", we may be on a better path!

Here is a video of how that could work: https://vimeo.com/138156034

1. Add a "Track Matte" switch to set matte:

This could make the "Transform Properties" of the set matte behave the same as how "Track Mattes" do. (this is possible already by sandwiching the set matte effect between two transform effects)

2. Multiple "Set Matte" Effects on one Layer
"Add" and "Subtract" Mattes from each other. Similar to how masks work.

More info: http://www.sandervandijk.tv/after-effects-features/mattes

This is how parenting works when you copy/paste a new set of layers. It creates parents relative to the new layers you've pasted. That is smart, now if only effects worked the same way! For some reason the default behavior on plugins is to revert the layer inputs on effects like “set matte” or “create nulls from paths” to the source layer that the effect is applied to after pasting.

I frequently use both of the aforementioned effects to make templates, and I'm constantly copy/pasting sets of template layers into new comps, but every time I do I have to manually reconnect the layer inputs which becomes and enormous pain when doing it 20+ times.

I attached a reference of what I'm talking about in case it wasn't clear.

The original comp is showing a set matte effect that is on layers 4-6. It's taking the matte from layer 7, "box1 matte4". When I copy/paste these layers into a new comp in the second image, you'll see that the set matte effect has been reset to layer 4, "feet" which is the same layer the effect is on. Why can't it remember the relative layer references?? It remembered all of the parenting, but it can't remember these for some reason.

PLEASE figure out a way to implement this. It's a huge time suck and I'm not sure why anyone would want it to function as it does currently.

I'm really fond of Adobe Products. But It is kinda disappointing when It comes to comparing it with other VFX and Compositing Applications. Even free versions of applications like Black Magic DaVinci Resolve or Fusion have all the features that an artist would desire and they're gaining popularity by leaps and bounds.

So, there's dire need of some serious upgrade that actually deserves the title "Major Update".

We want a real 3D Workspace as well as the capability to choose between layer-based or node-based workflow.

It will surely give Adobe an edge over its competitors making it the first choice of all types of artists as it's also tightly integrated with its other Apps i.e., Photoshop and Illustrator.

Adobe must seriously implement such features that would not only make us proud being a part of Adobe Family but also realize that it is worth the subscription model.

Looking forward to experiencing these

__ExpoGlow__

Would love to see the glow plug-in get an overhaul. I assume this is in the top 10 most used effects (it sure is for me) and there is plenty of room for improvement!

First feature would be to add an "exponential" checkbox with a gamma slider. This would of course make the glow fall off with an inverse square ratio - but with the addition of the gamma slider it could be user controllable. It is important that this effect is 32bpc "under the hood" so that we get accurate highlights - even in an 8bpc and 16bpc project (the output would of course be clipped in these cases).

Secondly when dealing with HDR projects the glow effect goes quite haywire. Not sure what math is going wrong but highlights tend to EXPLODE when they are super-white and I more often than not have to build by own glow with levels, blur and blending modes. Adding in a soft "shoulder" slider for 32bpc compositions would be a very nice way to handle this. Just one slider which mimics the shoulder node in Magic Bullet Looks, for example.

And lastly there seems to be something off with the current glow filter in terms of color and saturation. Try getting a nice golden glow and 99.9% of the time you get a hellish red color. I'm assuming this has to do with the (arguably) broken gamma and color workflow in AE. Whatever it is please make it so that glow colors are a bit more predictable, and add a "Saturation" slider to the glow effect!

Bonus:
As a bonus if one of the Adobe devs wants to dive in to incorporating Fractal Noise and Roughen Edges into the glow I think it would be time well spent ;) I'm quite happy with how Red Giant did this with Trapcode Shine. The ability to have 3D parallax is very nice and I use it quite often.