INDEX

NVIZ - Lights

The Lights panel contains adjustments and options to control the position, color and brightness of the lights and the reflectivity (shininess) of the surface. There are actually two lights: one dim white light remains directly above the surface at all times and serves as fill light. The main light, which the user controls, is a "local" light which is positioned much like the view position. When lights are being adjusted, a sphere appears on the surface and is continuously redrawn to show the effects of lighting changes. The lighting adjustments do not affect the appearance of the surface until it is redrawn. Neither light is directional; light is emitted equally in all directions.

Lights Panel

Follow Viewpoint
By default, the light position is near the viewing position and the light moves with the viewer. Toggling this option off will keep the light fixed in one position as the viewer position changes. Adjusting the Height or XY position of the light automatically toggles Follow Viewpoint off.

Show Model
The sphere showing current lighting effects can be removed by toggling this option off.

Height
Adjusts light height.

XY position
Adjusts light position over surface; north is always at the top.

Light Brightness
Adjusts the brightness of the light.

R, G, B
Adjusts the Red, Green and Blue components of the main light.

Ambient Light
Adjusts the ambient light associated with the main light and the brightness of the fill light.