Selections – 0:45
Just like the text tools the selections tools can be created within the paint module or applied as individual operators to isolate pixels. Here we look at all the selection tools including all of the learning hurdles new users find when first working with selections that are vector based and not raster base such as in a image editing program like Photoshop.

Masking 1:15
Masks, again, just like the selections can be created within the paint module or created as individual operators but with mask you are creating and controlling transparency. You learn how to use all the masking tools including the very powerful edge gradients and the active/inactive option. You’ll learn how to mask a person walking and understand why you should use multiple mask and linear keyframe interpolation instead of the default Bezier when animation your masks.

Gradients – 0:35
The gradients in Combustion are the first of the three advanced paint tools to be covered. You can create color gradients or opacity gradients with any object shape you create. You’ll learn how to control and animate all the gradient properties and use the gradients to create a lower third animation.

Flash Export – 0:17
Here we cover how you can export a Flash file (SWF) from the Paint module within Combustion to create dynamic web graphics. You’ll create a web banner for a musical group using the paint tools and understand how to incorporate images within your exported flash file.

Illustrator – 0:17
Since Combustion has a full vector drawing program directly in it, it’s paint module, you can import Adobe Illustrator file and maintain the vector control of the objects. Here we look at this powerful feature and some limitations you might face.

Photoshop – 0:15
You can open and import Photoshop files and maintain the layers, opacity settings and layer modes. Here you’ll learn why this is such a benefit and what controls you have when using PSD files within Combustion.

Clone Reveal - 1:00
The last two advanced Paint tools are extremely powerful tools and they are the Reveal and the Clone tools. These tools allow you to rotoscope pixels very easily within the Paint module. You’ll use these tools to add or remove elements within your footage. All the options and the workflow of using these tools is discussed in depth. Then well use these tools to roto a handrail out of a scene using the clone tool and its own footage as the source plus you’ll need to use the reveal tool to reveal pixels from a different source to finish the roto job.

Expressions 1:30
Expressions allow you to create animation based on JavaScript instead of keyframes. Whether you know and understand JavaScript or not, the way expressions are created in Combustion allows anyone to take advantage of this powerful and time saving feature. We’ll start by discussing the basics of expressions so you have a solid understanding of what is happening under the hood. Then the lessons will get deeper as we continue looking at the expressions and learn what are methods and why is the precedence so important. Then you’ll learn how to create expressions without knowing anything about coding and JavaScript by using the expression browser and the link buttons. In the end we’ll create a project where we use expression to control many attributes of multiple layer and operators.