Parameters in InstaMAT can be exposed either as a Graph Input or a Local Variable. The following article explains the differences between the two and shows examples of how to use them.
¶ What is a Graph Input?
A Graph Input is public and can be manipulated from outside the graph in which it was created. Exposing parameters publicly makes it possible to adjust them in other InstaMAT projects and in InstaMAT's integrations.
For example, the brick color in a brick wall material can be exposed as a Graph Input, allowing adjustments without opening the original graph. When using this brick wall material as a layer in an Asset Texturing project, this exposed parameter appears as a dynamic property for the material. This makes it possible to adjust the color of the bricks directly within the Asset Texturing project.
¶ What is a Local Variable?
A Local Variable is private and can only be manipulated within the graph where it was created. Here are two examples of using Local Variables:
¶ Adjusting Properties on Multiple Nodes Simultaneously
Multiple instances of a Local Variable can be dragged into the Canvas and connected to nodes in various areas of a graph. Changing the value of the variable will simultaneously adjust the parameters of all connected nodes.
¶ Testing Properties when Constructing a Graph
Using Local Variables to adjust parameters in a graph can be useful during its creation. These variables appear in the Graph Object Editor panel when clicking on an empty space in the Canvas and are listed separately from the graph's public Graph Inputs. This separation makes it easier to test graph properties without exposing them publicly to other users. It's a great way to fine-tune your graph's settings privately before making them accessible.
Learn more about exposing parameters and working in InstaMAT's Canvas on our YouTube Channel. This video showcases various methods for exposing graph inputs, allowing you to manipulate them in other InstaMAT projects.