Importing With the Read File Node

To import images into ConnectFX using the Read File node:

1. In the I/O node bin, select the Read File node and drag it to the schematic.

   The Read Files browser appears.

2. Optional: Set General and Format Specific Options for the files to import.
3. Optional: For each file, set In and Out points using the Preview panel.
4. Select the clips to import.
5. Click Load.

   The file appears in the ConnectFX schematic. If more than one file is imported, a Read File clip is created for each file. The clip name appears in pink to help differentiate from other schematic clips.

Note: Whenever a ConnectFX setup is opened which uses Read File clips that have been updated, Smoke asks for permission to update the setup with updated versions of these clips (when updates exist). Updating the setup replaces the current Read File clips with the latest found versions. This ensures that the correct versions are used and Smoke maintain the appropriate schematic connections.

To Expand a Read File Clip

1. Select the Read File clip.
2. Press Ctrl+C.

To Replace the Current Read File Clip With Another One

1. Double-click the proxy of the Read File clip.

   The Read Files browser appears.

2. Optional: Set General and Format Specific Options for the files to import.
3. Optional: For each file, set In and Out points using the Preview panel.
4. Select the clip to import.
5. Click Load.

   The Read File clip is updated with the selected file in ConnectFX. The Schematic is also updated, using a channel matching strategy that preserves the links between the clip's channels and the linked nodes.

To Load a Clip as a Version

1. Double-click the proxy of the Read File clip.

   The Read Files browser appears.

2. Optional: Set General and Format Specific Options for the files to import.
3. Optional: For each file, set In and Out points using the Preview panel.
4. Select the clip to import.
5. From the Load drop down menu, select Load as Version.

   The Read File clip is updated with the selected file in ConnectFX and the Read File clip is updated with the selected file. The previous clip is now available as a version from the Clip Versions box. There is no limit on the number of versions.

To Switch Between Versions of a Read File Clip

Note: Only possible with Read File clips loading clips with versions, or after loading a clip as a version.

1. Double-click the Read File clip.
2. Select a Clip Version using the Clip Version box.

   The Read File clip now uses the selected version and the schematic is updated accordingly, using a channel matching strategy that preserves the links between the clip's channels and the linked nodes.

To Check for New Versions of Clips

Note: The Check for Updated Versions button is only available if at least one Read File clip in the schematic has been updated.

1. Open the ConnectFX Preferences menu.
2. Under Read File Nodes in the Preferences section, click Check for Updated Versions.

   Every Read File clip in the schematic is checked for updated versions of their clip.