Lighting

Set light sources for illuminating graphics. Lighting settings control the location, direction, and intensity (high/low) of the specular lighting.

Click Lighting on the tree to view the various options.


Figure 1. Lighting Options
There are three lighting options: One Light and Multiple Lights.
One Light


Figure 2. One Light Example


Figure 3.

The controls in this dialog specify the position, shininess and specularity of the light. Any combination of light properties may be used to light the graphic. The lighting in the graphics area immediately updates as you manipulate the light controls, therefore you are able to preview the changes as you are making them.

The following options are available:
Direction The direction of the light is defined by moving the horizontal and vertical slide controls.
Specular The specular color defines the color reflected back on shiny surfaces. Moving the slider bar from low to high controls the degree of shininess. To disable specular highlighting, set the specular color to black.
  Color To change the color of the graphic, click on a color box, select a new color from the palette, and click OK.
  Shininess Use the slider bar to set the shininess (0-128).
Shading    
  Flat Applies flat shading to the graphic.
  Smooth Applies smooth shading to the graphic.
  Disable lighting when contour is applied When contouring, specular highlighting and shading can be disabled by activating this option.
Multiple Lights


Figure 4. Multiple Lights Example


Figure 5.

Use the standard placement of multiple lights. This setting does not allow for directional control or controlling specularity.

The following options are available:
Shading    
  Flat Applies flat shading to the graphic.
  Smooth Applies smooth shading to the graphic.
  Disable lighting when contour is applied When contouring, specular highlighting and shading can be disabled by activating this option.

Choose the Light Direction for a Graphic

  1. From the File menu, click the Preferences button.
    The Options dialog is displayed.
  2. Click Lighting on the tree.
  3. Select a Lighting Mode.
    • One Light
    • Multiple Lights
  4. Under Direction, slide the horizontal or/and vertical control bars.
    The lighting on the graphic changes.
  5. Click Apply to apply the lighting changes.
    OR
    • Click OK to apply the lighting changes and exit the dialog.
    OR
    • Click Cancel to disregard the lighting changes and exit the dialog.