Procedural Compositing with ConnectFX > Adding Clips to the Process Tree >

# Importing With the Read File Node

To import images into ConnectFX using the Read File node:

1. In the I/O node bin, select the Read File node and drag it to the schematic.

   The Read Files browser appears.

2. Optional: Set General and Format Specific Options for the files to import.
3. Optional: For each file, set In and Out points using the Preview panel.
4. Select the clips to import.
5. Click Load.

   You are returned to ConnectFX and the file appears in the schematic. If you import more than one file, a Read File clip is created for each file. The clip name appears in pink to help you differentiate from other schematic clips.

NoteWhenever you open a ConnectFX setup which uses Read File clips that have been updated, Smoke asks for your permission to update the setup with updated versions of these clips (when updates exist). Updating the setup replaces the current Read File clips with the latest found versions. This ensures that you are using the correct versions, and in any case, Smoke maintains the appropriate schematic connections.

## To Expand a Read File Clip

1. Select the Read File clip.
2. Press Ctrl+C.

## To Replace the Current Read File Clip With Another One

1. Double-click the proxy of the Read File clip.

   The Read Files browser appears.

2. Optional: Set General and Format Specific Options for the files to import.
3. Optional: For each file, set In and Out points using the Preview panel.
4. Select the clip to import.
5. Click Load.

   You are returned to ConnectFX and the Read File clip is updated with the selected file. The Schematic is also updated, using a channel matching strategy that preserves the links between the clip's channels and the linked nodes.

## To Load a Clip as a Version

1. Double-click the proxy of the Read File clip.

   The Read Files browser appears.

2. Optional: Set General and Format Specific Options for the files to import.
3. Optional: For each file, set In and Out points using the Preview panel.
4. Select the clip to import.
5. From the Load drop down menu, select Load as Version.

   You are returned to ConnectFX and the Read File clip is updated with the selected file. The previous clip is now available as a version from the Clip Versions box. You can have as many versions as you need.

## To Switch Between Versions of a Read File Clip

NoteOnly possible with Read File clips loading clips with versions, or after loading a clip as a version.

1. Double-click the Read File clip.
2. Select a Clip Version using the Clip Version box.

   The Read File clip now uses the selected version and the schematic is updated accordingly, using a channel matching strategy that preserves the links between the clip's channels and the linked nodes.

## To Check for New Versions of Clips

NoteThe Check for Updated Versions button is only available if at least one Read File clip in the schematic has been updated.

1. Open the ConnectFX Preferences menu.
2. Under Read File Nodes in the Preferences section, click Check for Updated Versions.

   Every Read File clip in the schematic is checked for updated versions of their clip.

#### Topics in this section

- About the Read File Node
- Read File Clip Settings