Point Light PropertyManager

A point light comes from a very small light source located at a specific coordinate in the model space. This type of light source emits light in all directions. You can modify the intensity, color, and position of the light source.

To display this PropertyManager:

In the DisplayManager, click View Scene, Lights, and Cameras . Right-click Lights and do one of the following:

  • To add a point light, click Add Point Light .
  • To edit an existing point light, right-click the point light and click Edit Point Light.
When PhotoView 360 is added in, you can add or edit a point light under either PhotoView 360 Lights or SOLIDWORKS Lights .
When the PropertyManager appears, a manipulator appears in the graphics area. To move the light in the graphics area, move the pointer over the manipulator. When the pointer changes to , you can drag the manipulator.

Basic Tab - Basic

Keep light when scene changes Retains light with model after a scene change. By default, lights are replaced when a scene changes. For example, set this option when you use a point light to illuminate an occluded section of the model.
Edit Color Displays the Color palette, so you can select colored light rather than the default white light.

Basic Tab - Light Position

Coordinate System

Spherical

Uses a spherical coordinate system to specify the position of the light source. Drag the manipulator in the graphics area or set values in the PropertyManager.
Lock to model Maintains the position of the light relative to the model. When cleared, the light remains fixed in the model space.
Longitude

Latitude

Distance

 Sets the location of the light in the coordinate system.
Coordinate System

Cartesian

Uses a Cartesian coordinate system to specify the position of the light source. Drag the manipulator in the graphics area or set values in the PropertyManager.
Lock to model Maintains the position of the light relative to the model. When cleared, the light remains fixed in the model space.
X coordinate

Y coordinate

Z coordinate

 Sets the location of the light in the coordinate system.

SOLIDWORKS Tab - SOLIDWORKS Lighting

  On in SOLIDWORKS Turns the light on in SOLIDWORKS.
Ambient Controls the intensity of the light source. Move the slider or enter a value between 0 and 1. A higher value results in more light. The level changes equally on all sides of the model.
Brightness Controls the brightness of the light source. Move the slider or enter a value between 0 and 1. A higher value results in more light on the side of the model closest to the source.
Specularity Controls the extent to which shiny surfaces exhibit bright highlights where the light strikes them. Move the slider or enter a value between 0 and 1. A higher value results in more dramatic highlights and a shinier appearance.

PhotoView 360 Tab - PhotoView 360 Controls

The PhotoView tab is available when PhotoView is added in.

Dynamic help If enabled, when you pause the pointer over an option, a detailed explanation of the option appears.
On in PhotoView Turns on the light in PhotoView. The light is off by default. Also enables PhotoView lighting options.
PhotoView brightness Sets the brightness of the light in PhotoView.

PhotoView Tab - Shadows

Shadows Enables shadows in PhotoView.
Point light radius Sets the radius of the point light in PhotoView, affecting softness of shadows. Lower values sharpen shadows. Higher values soften them but may affect rendering times.
Shadow quality Reduces graininess in softer shadows. As you increase Point light radius, experiment with higher values of this setting to reduce graininess. Increasing this setting increases render times.

PhotoView Tab - Fog

Fog Enables the fog effect in PhotoView.
Fog radius Sets the extent of fog around the light.
Fog quality Reduces graininess when Fog radius is increased. Increasing this setting increases render times.