Pixelhue: all about Main Layers in PixelFlow

23 April 2025

In the new video tutorial dedicated to PixelFlow, Pixelhue’s control software, our video product specialist Michael Leonessa guides us through one of the key elements in video content management: the Main Layers.

In this tutorial, Michael explains what Main Layers are and what functions they enable within the software. These are special layers that are essential for applying advanced transformations such as chroma key, luma key, borders, shadows, and the cut and fill function.

How many Main Layers can we use? It depends on the capacity set on the input port: a 4K source allows for the use of a single main layer, while a dual link source enables the use of two simultaneously.

Michael demonstrates how to access the settings in the Programming section, select a layer, and view all the available functions in the side menu. Some effects - such as Flip, Mask, and Keyframe - are available for any layer and do not require promotion to a Main Layer. On the other hand, functions like Border (which includes solid edges, halo, gradient, and advanced color and size settings) and Shadow (with options for opacity, size, and position) turn the layer into a true Main Layer.

The video wraps up with a sneak peek of the next tutorial, which will delve into the use of keys in visual composition.