[Asmithey]

The MXM tip of the day thread is great. I really appreciate all of your efforts guys. Can someone explain how the ghost layer works and why it is used. I do not see it explained in the manual.

No rush.

Thanks,
Aaron

[Half Life]

As far V2 goes it is an additive layer that imparts transparency to the opaque layer underneath it -- it is the basis of AGS Clear in V2. I discovered by playing around that you can also impart the thinSSS qualities via the ghost layer as well... which is why I advocate experimentation and exploration.

AGS got it's start all the way back here:
http://www.maxwellrender.com/forum/view ... gs#p140864

This isn't what I would call a normal case material in V2 -- this is a special case layer as far as I know.

My reasoning for trying to use the ghost layer technique with ThinSSS is because I was having issues with controlling aspects of ThinSSS behavior and was looking for a way to gain better control of the final material particularly in the realm of color, translucency, and noise.

Best,
Jason.

[Half Life]

For the sake of clarity I should say that a true Ghost layer is truly transparent -- the thinSSS hybrid additive layer name itself could be a couple of things and get the same results... I happen to like "Ghost" because it is evocative of the results, and it reminds me of how AGS works.

Best,
Jason.