Setting user-defined light sources

Tool(s): Light Settings

You can use this to define the position, target and type of any number of freely definable light sources. Each of these lights can be turned on and off individually (when placing or modifying the lights). You can also turn them all on/off at the same time. An overview of the number of lights that are on/off is displayed and you can define a color and line width for the light symbols.

To set user-defined light sources

1. Click Light Settings (How).
   

   Activate Light Settings in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Modify Presentation Animation

   • Palette: Tools Change area in the following module(s):

   Animation

   • Configuration: Design Animation Settings flyout
2. In the User-Defined Light Sources area in the Light Sources 2 tab of the Light Settings dialog box, click Set.

   More parameters in the Light Settings dialog box

3. If necessary, click Insert Light in the Input Options.

   A preview of the light source is displayed attached to the crosshairs.

4. Set the light source in plan or isometric view.

   The Light Information dialog box appears.

   Tip: Check the height of the light source (Z coordinate).

5. Define the Type of light in the Lighting Details dialog box:
   • Point light
     

     Point light is diffused evenly from a single light source in all directions.

     The intensity of the light drops the further away one is from the point. You can adjust the intensity of the light by increasing the black component.

   • Spotlight or
     

     The spotlight is a directional light source. The light radiates in one direction from the source to the target.

     A pool of light forms around the target. The intensity of the light decreases the further the target is from the source.

     The intensity of the light drops the further away one is from the point. You can adjust the intensity of the light by increasing the black component.

     You can set an angle of between 1 and 179 degrees.

   • Conical light
     

     The conical light illuminates a clearly delimited area around the target. A pool of light forms around the target. The intensity of the light pool cast is uniform.

     The intensity of the light drops the further away one is from the point. You can adjust the intensity of the light by increasing the black component.

     You can set an angle of between 1 and 179 degrees.

6. Set the light target as follows:
   • Enter the coordinates in the Light Target area in the Light Information dialog box
   • Click and click the light target in plan or isometric view.
7. Specify the Light status in the Light Information dialog box:
   • Set the light source so that it is on.
   • Define whether the user-defined light source is to cast shadows.
   • Click the color button to define the color of the freely definable light in the Select RGB Color dialog box.

     Tip: When an animation window is open, you can click the Apply button to check the effects of your settings and modify them, if necessary.

8. Click OK to confirm your light source settings.

   The light source is displayed with the settings you made and the corresponding symbol.

   

   Point light, same display in plan, elevation and isometric view,
   off and on
   B Conical light, 60-degree angle (even light),
   in plan, elevation and isometric view, on
   C Spotlight, 60-degree angle (brighter indoors than outdoors)
   in plan, elevation and isometric view, on

9. Repeat steps 2 to 8 to set more light sources.
10. You can now modify the lights in order to make more detailed settings.
    The following options are provided in the Input Options:
    • Insert Light - sets more lights.
    • Move Light - moves lights.
    • Rotate Light - sets the direction of the lights. The axis of rotation is the perpendicular in the drop-in point of the light source.
      Note: You can only rotate spotlight and conical light whose light target is not directly below.
    • Delete Light - deletes lights.
    • Properties - displays and lets you modify the coordinates of light source and light target, type of light and light status.
    • Change Light Size - changes the size of the lights displayed.
11. Press ESC to quit each of the functions.
12. To finish entering/modifying the lights, press ESC.

    The Light Settings dialog box is displayed again.

    Tip: When an animation window is open, you can click the Apply button to check the effects of all the light settings and modify them, if necessary.

13. Click OK to confirm the lighting settings.