Feature Selector in action.

Description

The Feature Selector node allows you to generate a grayscale mask from a selection of pixel regions of similar color (referred to as ‘features’) in the input texture.

The node automatically identifies a set of such features in the input texture. There is no way to manually define a feature, but you can fine-tune the automatic feature definition behavior by adjusting the node properties - specifically Granularity, Color, Regularity, and Smoothness. See more on properties and their effects in the Properties section below.

You can create a selection from one or more features by bringing the node into the 2D Viewport and using the node’s 2D Viewport Overlay.

When you execute the node, it creates a black and white mask. All pixels within the features you selected are colored white, and the rest are colored black.

Selecting features in the 2D Viewport

Here are the steps to creating and adjusting a selection:

1. Bring the Feature Selector node into the 2D Viewport.
2. The 2D Viewport displays an overlay, where the input texture is segmented into regions separated by black borders. Each region represents a single selectable feature. You can change the overlay color and opacity in the node properties.
3. To select a feature, left click (LMB) on its region in the viewport. The region fills with the Overlay Color (teal by default), which indicates that it is currently selected.
4. Add more features to the selection by holding SHIFT and clicking on additional regions.
5. Remove features from the selection by holding CTRL and clicking one of the selected regions.
6. Invert the selection by clicking the Invert button in the node properties.

A number of shortcut keys are used when selecting features in the viewport. See the full list of shortcuts at the end of this section.

Using Lasso Selection

An alternative way to select features is by using the Lasso Selection tool. This allows you to draw a polygonal lasso by placing multiple points in the 2D Viewport. When you close the lasso, the node creates a new selection from the features that are inside the lasso area.

Here are the steps to using Lasso Selection:

1. With the Feature Selector node in the 2D Viewport, press the L key.
2. A lasso icon appears in place of your mouse cursor. This indicates that Lasso Selection is active. You can press the L key again to deactivate the tool.
3. To start a lasso selection, left click the point in the 2D Viewport where you want the lasso to begin.
4. Add more points to the lasso by left clicking elsewhere in the viewport.
5. Close the lasso by clicking the first point you placed.
6. The node creates a selection from features inside the lasso area.

2D Viewport Controls

Below is a complete list of shortcuts for working with the 2D Viewport Overlay.

Generating a mask from a selection

Once you have a selection ready, you can create a new mask from it by executing the node.

Feature Selector outputs the mask as a texture, which you can use elsewhere in the Node Graph of your project.

Category and execution

Ports

Properties