Matchbox

Matchbox is an interactive development tool that allows you to run generic OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL) shader code directly in Batch or Batch FX or through the Tools tab, to add specific functionality, or create custom effects. GLSL is a high-level shading language that is part of the OpenGL specification.

Because of the nature of GLSL fragment shaders, Matchbox works well on image processing effects. You can however, create simulated 3D effects using a number of image processing techniques, like using a Z-depth pass, for example.

The Matchbox node populates the user interface dynamically, based on the parameters required by the shader. You can also design and implement more sophisticated interface elements and naming, through the use of an XML sidecar file. A utility is included to test your shader code and help you create the sidecar XML UI file, if needed.

Re-purposing of existing effects is easy, since Matchbox shaders are simple generic GLSL fragment shader code, with no encryption, and no required customization. Included are a number of useful example shaders, that can be used as is, or serve as starting points for you to develop your own tools. Some of the included example shaders are:

• Vignetting
• Fabric
• Cross Hatching
• NaN Replace
• Switcher
• Ripples
• Twirl
• Warp
• Posterise
• Z-Glow (multipass shader)
• Z-Rays (multipass shader)
• Median Filter (multipass shader)

To access the Matchbox menu:

• Batch, then select a node from the Node bin.

• Timeline, then use Batch FX (See Creating Batch FX).

• Tools, then select from the menu.

This node has six physical inputs, but you are not limited to the amount of actual inputs you can use in the effect, since you can use the same image for more than one input. It also outputs a result and an outmatte.