Features
Softnode is not just an ordinary photo editor. It is not just a vector graphics editor. It is not merely another Photoshop filter plug-in. Softnode is an advanced modular software that unifies a battery of creative tools under the same roof.
Node-based Editor
At the heart of Softnode, is the Softnode project editor. This is an advanced node-based editor that enables the construction of a multitude of projects. Projects constructed in the editor may be reused as completely new modules. In fact, Softnode will permit projects to be used recursively by themselves.
Photoshop Filter Host/Client
Softnode is capable of being run either stand-alone or as a Photoshop filter plug-in. Additionally, Softnode is capable of using Photoshop filters within it's own node-based project editor. Photoshop filters can be applied to any open image document from the Softnode filter menu.
Procedural Textures
Perhaps the most outstanding feature of Softnode, is it's implementation of procedural texture samplers. Softnode includes a comprehensive list of sampler-based modules, such as noise generators, fractal generators, color gradients, transformations, 3D shaders and profile curves.
Context Free Design Grammars
CFDG is a simple but powerful programming language that generates complex vector objects from probabilistic rules. Softnode extends the use of CFDG in a new and radical way: by using controller modules, it is possible to build projects that generates brush stroke effects stippled with atomic CFDG objects.
Programmable Brushes
One novel concept of Softnode is the ability to build custom-made brushes. By linking together bitmaps, normal maps and height maps with controller modules, special brush tools can be constructed. This enables the designer to use the project editor to build both volume and distortion brushes.
Floating Point File Formats
Softnode supports 30+ different image formats. It supports high-precision floating point formats, such as OpenEXR, PFM and HDR. By working in floating point precision, one will extend beyond the dynamic range of common display devices without loss of quality.
Normal Maps, Transformations and Shaders
Normal maps and transformations are two concepts that are used interchangably in Softnode. This makes it easy to create complex compound transformations. Additionally, normal maps are used for high quality HDRI-based shading of height maps.
Scalable Vector Graphics
Softnode includes a built-in SVG editor. It uses the high-precision Vectorial Polygon Rasterizer library that renders vector shapes with perfect antialiasing. Vector graphics supports advanced fill effects by using procedural texture samplers and shaders.
Unified Document Model
The Softnode GUI is capable of editing multiple document types under the same hood. Different document types will be shown in their own respective editor window. Project files, image files, vector files and text files are different file formats that are currently associated with their own respective editors.
Resource Packages and Presets
XML resource packages allows Softnode projects to include any number of resource files. Bitmap files, CFDG files, vector files and projects files can be included in resource packages and then used within projects. Preset files may also be included in order to store custom project parameters.