Master Nuke Compositing: Free Introduction Course to Nuke

March 20, 2025

ActionVFX Staff

Learn Nuke in this free 6-part course by Doug Hogan, starting with the fundamentals and building up to professional techniques.

If you want to build a career in high-end VFX compositing, learning The Foundry's Nuke is essential.

It’s the software used in major films, TV shows, and commercials because it’s built for high-end compositing. Unlike After Effects, where layers can get messy fast, Nuke’s node-based system gives you total control over every element of your shot.

To help you get started, we just launched a free Intro to Nuke course, led by Doug Hogan—a senior compositor with 18+ years of experience in the feature film industry. He’s worked on projects ranging from indie films to major productions, and in this 6-part course, he’ll guide you through the fundamentals of Nuke, breaking down complex concepts into clear, practical lessons.

What this 6-part course covers:

Understanding Nuke’s interface and workflow
The four essential nodes that power every composite
Green screen keying, masking, and advanced compositing techniques
3D compositing and integrating VFX elements
Industry best practices for structuring node graphs

Whether you're transitioning from After Effects or brand new to compositing, this course will teach you the right way to approach Nuke.

Chapter 1: Understanding Nuke’s Workflow

When you first open Nuke, it might feel overwhelming. The interface and workflow are vastly different from layer-based software like After Effects.

In Chapter 1, Doug walks you through:

The Nuke interface and how to navigate it
How to set up your first project
Loading and converting image sequences
Why node-based compositing offers more control than layers

📺 Watch Chapter 1:

CHAPTER 2: The Four Essential Nodes for Every Composite

You don’t need to memorize hundreds of nodes to work in Nuke—most of your work will rely on just a few.

Read – Brings assets into Nuke
Merge – Controls how layers interact
Transform – Moves, scales, and rotates elements
Grade – Adjusts color and exposure for seamless blending

Master these, and you’re well on your way to building professional composites. In Chapter 2, Doug breaks down how each works, giving you the practical skills to start efficiently structuring your Nuke node graphs.

📺 Watch Chapter 2:

CHAPTER 3: Rotoscoping and Masking Essentials

Rotoscoping and masking are foundational skills for every compositor, giving you the control needed to isolate elements and integrate them seamlessly into a shot.

Roto & RotoPaint – Create and refine custom masks
Animated Masks – Add movement for dynamic compositing
Workflow Best Practices – Stay organized and efficient
Machine Learning Tools – Speed up rotoscoping with machine learning tools

Master these techniques, and you’ll be ready to tackle complex compositing challenges with precision. In Chapter 3, Doug walks you through these essential tools, ensuring you have the skills for roto and masking in Nuke.

📺 Watch Chapter 3:

CHAPTER 4: Gridwarp & Depth Maps for Realistic Compositing

In chapter 4, Doug teaches the tools that help you match elements to your scene with greater precision. You'll learn how to use Gridwarp and depth maps to control placement, add perspective, and build more realistic composites.

Element Integration – Add ActionVFX assets that feel like part of the shot
Gridwarp Tool – Bend, distort, and animate elements with control
Depth Maps – Use machine learning to generate accurate depth
Atmospheric Effects – Add fog and haze that responds to your scene’s depth

Doug breaks down how and when to use these tools so your shots feel cohesive and intentional. After this chapter, you’ll be ready to handle more complex composites with confidence.

📺 Watch Chapter 4:

CHAPTER 5: Color Matching for Seamless Composites

In Chapter 5, Doug breaks down the color correction tools that make your elements blend naturally. You’ll learn how to match colors across your scene and make final adjustments that bring everything together visually.

Color Correction Tools – Use Grade, ColorCorrect, and HueShift nodes
Element Matching – Balance colors across different layers for realism
Final Adjustments – Refine contrast, saturation, and black points
Organic Touches – Add subtle camera shake for a natural finish

By the end of this chapter, your composites will look cleaner, more cohesive, and ready for final delivery.

📺 Watch Chapter 5:

CHAPTER 6: Final Polish, Rendering, & Professional Delivery

In Chapter 6, Doug shows you how to bring everything together into a fully polished shot. You’ll finalize your composite, fix visual issues, and add the last details that make your work feel studio-ready.

Final Touches – Clean up your composite and fix any errors
Color & Effects – Apply subtle tweaks for consistency
Rendering – Export a finished sequence for review or delivery
Sound Design – Use machine learning tools to add immersive sound

This chapter ties it all together so your composite is ready for the big screen.

📺 Watch Chapter 6:

Each chapter builds on the last, taking you step by step into the world of professional compositing. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss upcoming tutorials!