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Visualization > Lights > Adding lights

Adding lights


By default, there is a directional light in the 3D World.

You can add as many lights as needed, but keep in mind that lights significantly affect performance, so you should try to use as few as possible.

To add a light:
  1. Choose Visualization > Add Light, then select the type of light to add.
  2. The light icon appears in construction views.

    Note: If the light icon is out of view, press F to frame the light or A to frame the entire World including the light.

  3. Translate and rotate the light if needed.
  4. Adjust the light parameters in the Parameter Editor.

Light Parameters

Position

Sets the position of the light.

Orientation

Points the light.

Scale

Has no effect on the light.

Visible

Determines whether or not the light icon is visible. It does not affect the lighting effect.

Turned on

Toggles the light on/off. Functions like a light switch.

Color

Determines the diffuse color of the light. This is the color of the light that shines directly on the object. Enter the RGB value or the Hexadecimal color code.

Highlight

Determines the color of specular highlights. This is the color of the light that is reflected off shiny materials. Enter the RGB value or the Hexadecimal color code.

Ambient color

Determines the color of the light that affects the entire object, not only the areas on which the light shines.

Intensity

Sets the brightness of a light. It ranges from 0 to 100, with 0 turning the light off and 100 being the highest value. By animating Intensity, you simulate a light dimmer.

Fall-off

Available for point and spot lights, fall-off simulates the natural attenuation of light.

Fall-off
distance

The distance at which the light has very little effect. At the fall-off distance, the light is at 10% of its original intensity.

Spot angle

Describes the opening, in degrees, of the spot light beam. A low spot angle will result in a very thin cone of light, whereas a high value will light a larger area.

Spot
concentration

Is a percentage value that impacts the fall-off of the light within the spot light cone. The default value of 8 produces a subtle edge around the spot light's cone. A lower value such as 1 or 2 will produce a stark, contrasted edge where the light cone hits an object, and will display the full angle of the spot light's cone. A high value such as 100 will create a very small light point gently fading towards black.


See also:

Animating parameters

Example: Turning a light on and off

Increasing subdivisions to improve lighting effect

About fall-off

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