Ambient Light and Source Light

There are two possible kinds of light in a composite: ambient and source.

By default, every 3D composite has ambient light that provides a constant amount of light to every visible surface of the layers (front and back sides). Ambient light has no defined origin, so it is not an object in the composite like a source light is. You can modify the ambient light settings in the Timeline or in the Light controls in the Composite Controls panel. However, the settings for ambient light in the Light controls appear alongside the settings for any source lights you may add to the composite.

Source light is the light that comes from a controlled light source. For example, camera flashes and spotlights are source lights.

You can modify the properties of source lights and animate them over time. You can move, rotate, copy, and paste source lights, target them to layers, and parent them to create groups of lights. There are three types of source lights: Distant, Point, and Spot.

Note: If you cannot see the lighting in a composite, make sure the Shading option in the Settings controls is enabled.

About Distant Lights

Distant source lights project light onto objects as if from an infinite distance. For example, use distant light to simulate sunlight or moonlight. Because the distant light strikes all objects simultaneously, the composite appears evenly lit.

The icon for a distant light is a star with rays radiating from it.

About Point Lights

Point source lights project light onto objects as if from a lamp that projects in all directions. Point lights shade the surfaces of objects and the intensity decreases with distance. Use a point light to simulate a candle or light bulb.

The following example shows a layer in a composite with no lighting.

In the Composite Controls panel, the Settings controls for the composite show Shading turned off.

In the following example, the composite has one point light positioned near the layer. In the Settings controls, Shading is now turned on.

The icon for a point light is the same as that of a distant light: a star with rays radiating from it.

About Spotlights

Spot source lights project light with a defined beam that is aimed in a particular direction. Spotlights also shade the surfaces of layers in the composite, but must be pointed at or near a layer in order for its effect to be visible. You can use spotlights to simulate theater spotlights.

The following example shows the effect of a spotlight on an image. There are no other source lights; the ambient light intensity controls the light level of the areas not lit by the spotlight.

The icon for a spotlight is a cone. The cone represents the width and direction of the beam of light projected by the spotlight.