Light Source Properties

Light source parameters are displayed and can be modified in the Object Info palette. The parameters available depend on the type of light source.

A symbol that contains a light object can be copied to reproduce identical lights. Change the light intensity for each symbol in the Object Info palette.

Once a light has been placed on the drawing, the Selection tool can be used to change its location, and, depending on the light type, beam parameters.

Light Type
Beam Parameter
Description

Point, Spot, Directional

Light location

Click the light with the move cursor and drag it to its new location.

Light_move1.png 

The spot light target handle is not locked to its target. The target handle location may need re-adjusting after moving the spot light.

Spot, Directional

Orientation and view

Select the light; in the Object Info palette, click Set Light to View to set the light orientation to the current view orientation, or click Set View to Light to set the orientation of the view to that of the light

Directional

Azimuth and elevation direction

Click the azimuth or elevation control points to change the directional light parameters. Move the handles with the mouse, or enter the azimuth and elevation values in the Data bar.

Light_move4.png 

Spot

Target direction

Click the handle with the Selection tool to change the spot light target direction; drag to the new target and click to set

Light_move2.png 

Directional

Beam direction

Click and drag with the hand cursor to change the beam direction

Light_move3.png 

Custom

Target and axis

The black vector points to the target location; its axis line (the light axis) connects the light source location to the target. The red vector starts at the light source location, pointing to a reference point on the “equator” of the polar intensity distribution. Also known as the “zero angle line,” it represents the origin for measuring the intensity on the light curve.

Light_cust00055.png 

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Managing Lights and Cameras with the Visualization Palette

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