Stubs & Updates

What are Stubs?

Stubs are lightweight versions of POPX operators that remove all internal component data while preserving the operator's connections and parameter values. This makes them ideal for sharing projects with collaborators who may not have POPX installed.

When you create stubs, the internal TouchDesigner networks inside each POPX operator are deleted, leaving only the component shell with its parameters and I/O connections intact. This significantly reduces project file size and allows others to open your project without requiring a POPX installation.

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Note

Stubbed operators will not function until they are replaced with full POPX operators. They serve purely as placeholders to preserve your network structure.

Creating Stubs

To create stubs for your POPX operators, follow these steps:

  • Select the main POPX component.
  • Navigate to the Stubs parameter page.
  • Click the Create Stubs button.
  • Confirm the action in the dialog that appears.
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Caution

Creating stubs will permanently delete the internal networks of all POPX operators. Make sure you have a backup of your project before proceeding. This action cannot be undone.

Once stubs are created, your project file will be significantly smaller and can be shared with others. The stubbed operators will display their parameter interface but will not process any data.

Replacing Stubs

When you receive a project with stubbed POPX operators, you'll need to replace them with full operators to restore functionality. This requires having POPX installed.

  • Select the main POPX component.
  • Navigate to the Stubs parameter page.
  • Click the Replace Stubs button.
  • Confirm the action in the dialog that appears.

The stub replacement process will scan your project for all stubbed POPX operators and replace them with fully functional versions, restoring all internal networks while preserving your parameter settings and connections.

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Note

You must have POPX installed to replace stubs. The replacement process will use the version of POPX currently installed on your system.

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Performance Notice

If your network contains many POPX operators, the stub replacement process may take time and TouchDesigner may appear to freeze. This is normal behavior. Do not interrupt the process - wait patiently until it completes.

Keeping Operators Updated

POPX includes an update system that allows you to refresh all operators in your project to the latest installed version. This is useful when you've installed a new release of POPX and want to update existing projects.

  • Select the main POPX component.
  • Navigate to the POPX parameter page.
  • Click the Update All button.
  • Confirm the action in the dialog that appears.
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Caution

Updating operators will replace their internal networks with the latest version. While parameter values are preserved, any custom modifications inside the operators will be lost. Save your project before updating.

The update process will replace all POPX operators in the selected container with fresh copies from your current installation. This ensures you benefit from the latest bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.

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Performance Notice

If your network contains many POPX operators, the update process may take time and TouchDesigner may appear to freeze. This is normal behavior. Do not interrupt the process - wait patiently until it completes.

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Tip

After major POPX updates, it's recommended to update all operators in your active projects to take advantage of improvements and ensure compatibility.

Best Practices

For Project Sharing

  • Always create a backup before creating stubs
  • Recommended: For complex network configurations, insert Null POPs between POPX operators and multi-input POPs to ensure all connections are properly preserved
  • Document which POPX version was used in your project
  • Include a note to collaborators that they'll need to replace stubs with POPX installed
  • Keep an unstubbed version for your own continued development

For Version Updates

  • Recommended: For complex network configurations, insert Null POPs between operators to ensure all connections are properly preserved during updates
  • Read the release notes before updating to understand changes
  • Test the update on a copy of your project first
  • Update all operators at once to avoid version mixing
  • Check for any parameter changes or deprecated features after updating