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Change the type of light

This page applies to WPF projects only

To change the type of light

  1. Under Objects and Timeline, expand the Viewport3D object for the object that you want to modify. Within the Viewport3D object are containers for the cameras, materials, and lights.

    Note

    The materials and lights might be contained in an object that represents the world geometry. If so, expand the world geometry container object.

  2. Expand the nodes under the container object for the light that you want to modify until you get to the last node, as in the following image.

    3D light object selected under Objects and Timeline

    Objects and Timeline panel showing a Viewport3D

    The light handles appear on the artboard.

  3. Under Light in the Properties panel, select one of the following lights next to LightType:

    Light type and description

    Working with lights on the artboard

    Ambient Light 9f305304-9ef4-40c3-8c40-2195dd8bde81

    Ambient light casts light as if it is coming from all directions. Use this option when you want to light all objects evenly.

    Tip

    If you have only an ambient light, your object might appear to be washed out and lit by only one shade of color. For the best effect, use an additional nonambient light also.

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    Spot Light 7273622f-aa70-4d16-a093-ed15d8e66ef0

    Spot light casts light like a real spot light. The light starts from the position of the light and spreads out in the shape of a cone. Parts of a 3D object outside the cone of light cast will not be affected by the spot light.

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    Directional Light 662d3d1c-a7ce-4637-a770-06a07cad45dd

    Directional light casts light evenly in a specific direction much like sunlight.

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    Point Light 48a69ca1-852e-48ce-8424-4ec9a4d20c43

    Point light casts light outward from a single point in all directions much like a standard light bulb.

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    Tip

    To see all of the lights acting on your object at once, point to 3D on the View menu, and then click ToggleLights.