Display Attributes: Lights

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Define the light source(s), type of light(s) and the lighting parameters used to display the part.
The Lights dialog is displayed:

The three different types of lights, Directional, Positional and Spot, each have their own specific parameters. The Directional light parameters are common to all the light types.

Light Parameters:

On/Off
General Ambient
AutoPreview
Shader
Type
Direction
Properties
Dialog Icons

Examples of light settings

Directional Light:

A light source, such as an interior lamp, that radiates with uniform intensity in all directions from a specified point. Directional light is displayed as . When the light source is moved, the light icon changes to display the new source: . The light cover indicates the light source

Positional Light:

A light source that casts parallel rays of light on all parts of the model, such as the sun. The location of the light is specified, but it is used only to determine the direction of the parallel light rays. Positional light is displayed as .

Spot Light:

A light source that radiates in a cone from a specified point. Spot light is displayed as . When the light source is moved, the light icon changes to display the new source: . The tip of the cone indicates the light source.

Define the light parameters:

On/Off:

Check the appropriate box to switch a light on. Uncheck to switch off.

Select a light number to define its parameters.

General Ambient:

Ambient light is uniform, nondirectional light that illuminates all parts of the model equally. Ambient light ensures that shaded areas do not appear completely black in the image.

Use the slider to define the general ambient light.

AutoPreview

Define the Preview mode.

AutoPreview, results in dynamic changes in the display when light parameters are changed.

Manual, enables you to view the effects of parameter changes when you press .

Shader

Improve the display of the part by checking the Shader box. Use of this option affects system performance.

Shader - Off	Shader - On

Type:

Directional: A light source, such as an interior lamp, that radiates with uniform intensity in all directions from a specified point.

Positional: A light source that casts parallel rays of light on all parts of the model, such as the sun. The location of the light is specified, but it is used only to determine the direction of the parallel light rays.

Spot: A light source that radiates in a cone from a specified point.

Define the light type.

For Positional lights, additional parameters are displayed. Enter the coordinates of the target point, the distance from the target is displayed. Set the Reference Point. Enter the Const. Linear and Quad data.

For Spot lights, Position and Spot parameters are displayed. Set the Position parameters described above. Also, define the angle of the cone and the variation of light intensity within the cone angle.

Direction

Set the horizontal and vertical direction of the light.

Properties:

Ambient: This light consists of uniform, nondirectional light of any color that illuminates all parts of the model equally, without regard to direction, location of surfaces or shading. Since all portions of your model receive some illumination, the depth of the shadows is reduced.

Diffuse: Light reflected from a diffuse surface is scattered equally in all directions; dull reflection.

Specular: Specular reflection reflects light in a narrow cone. Light reflected from a specular surface, such as a mirror, reflects light in one direction only.

Note: If you define only ambient light, there is no contrast. If there is only diffuse reflection, there are no highlights. If there is only specular reflection, the image displays highlights but is very dark. The greatest realism is displayed when you combine ambient, diffuse, and specular reflection.

Define the color of the light.

Define the Ambience, Diffusion and Specularity properties using the appropriate sliders.

Note: Use a fairly low intensity of ambient light. If the ambient light is too strong, the other light sources you have defined are likely to be washed out.

Lights dialog icons

Restore Default:	Restore the parameters to their default values.
Load:	Load a previously saved light scheme.
Save:	Save the light scheme.
OK:	Accept the settings and exit the option.
Cancel:	Exit the option.