---
title: "Layer"
url: "https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/NET_MAXON_PATTERN_NODE_EFFECT_LAYER.html"
section_path: "The Node Editor > The individual Assets > Color > Layer"
element_id: "NET_MAXON_PATTERN_NODE_EFFECT_LAYER"
description: "This page covers the Layer node of the classic node materials in Cinema 4D. It stacks any number of elements with blend modes like the Layer shader — the …"
---

# Layer

> **Note:** **What is it about?**
>
> This page covers the **Layer node** of the classic node materials in **Cinema 4D**. It stacks any number of elements with blend modes like the Layer shader — the central compositing tool within node materials.

![Image: 042166.jpg](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/042166.jpg)\
The Layer Node makes it possible to layer and mix color layers. In the process, existing alpha portions will be taken into consideration as in this example in which the image on top uses an alpha portion to make the layers below it visible.

This functionality reflects for the most part that of the Material System's [Layer](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/XSLALAYER.html.md) shader. Any number of elements can be layered and mixed. The mix modes reflect those of the Blend Material Node.