Light Parameters

Light parameters appear on subtabs when you select the icon of an existing light on the Scenes tab or you select a light icon in a scene.

General

Name Lets you rename the light.
Locked Locks the light in place so you cannot move it.
Enabled Specifies that the light affects the scene's overall lighting.
Visible Makes the light visible or invisible in the scene.
Type Specifies the type of light.
In addition to Brightness, Color, and Color Temperature (K), which are common to all lights, the light type determines additional parameters you can modify:
  • Area - Sphere (Point)
  • Area - Plane
  • Area - Disc
  • Area - Tube
  • Directional
    • Directional Light Size. Specifies the radiant area of directional lights.
  • Spot
    • Spot Light Radius. Specifies the radiant area of spot lights.
    • Cone Angle. Controls the spread of the spot light. For example, a small or narrow angle produces a focused, pin-like light where a large or wide angle produces a broad light.
Brightness Specifies the brightness of the light.
Color Specifies the color of the light.
Color Temperature (K) Specifies the light's color in degrees Kelvin.
Light Geometry (Available when area lights are selected.)
  • Area - Sphere (Point)
    • Sphere Radius. Specifies the radius of the light source.
  • Area - Plane
    • Rectangle Width. Specifies the width of the rectangle light source.
    • Rectangle Length. Specifies the length of the rectangle light source.
  • Area - Disc
    • Disc Radius. Specifies the radius of the light source.
  • Area - Tube
    • Cylinder Radius. Specifies the radius of the cylinder.
    • Cylinder Length. Specifies the length of the cylinder.

Transform

Pick Target Defines the point on the model where you want the light to shine. Pick a point in the viewport.
Pick Position Defines the source of the light. The light is placed at the selected location and points in a direction normal to the selected surface. This option is especially useful when adding interior lights. Pick a point in the viewport.
Match Current Camera Matches the light to the current camera position and direction.
Transform The following transform options let you numerically modify the lighting position:
  • Position XYZ. Translates the selected light in 3D space.
  • Distance/Dolly. Determines the distance between the selected light and the look-at point.
  • Longitude. Rotates the selected light around the look-at point.
  • Latitude. Moves the selected light vertically.
  • Twist. Tilts the selected light left or right without moving its 3D position.

You can also transform lights with the transform manipulator.
Follow Specifies that the light follows a specific model, such as a vehicle while you drive it.

You can separately specify a model to Follow and a model to Aim at.

Advanced

Preview Options Select or clear Cast Shadows. Select to cast shadows in the scene when in Preview mode.

This option has no effect in Fast and Accurate modes.