Note: Parametric Lights are available from Version 2023.2 an onward
In addition to the default HDRI lights, version 2023.2 supports Parametric Lights.
Parametric Lights provide the ability to create custom lights which improve the overall look of the render output. Using Parametric Lights reduces dependency on HDRI which requires more computing power for Unreal.
When using Parametric Lights, bear in mind that the direction of the light source is determined by setting the angle of the lights source. The following custom lights are supported:
Area light: The light source is projected in a specific direction, in a rectangular shape. This light source can be compared to a window where through which light shines in.
Spotlight: A light source projected in a specific direction, in a circular shape. This light source mimics the light in a studio or on a stage. The light source fades away at the edges.
Directional Light: A strong light source, like the sun. The light source is from a specific direction and angle, without a specific shape and projects light endlessly in all directions.
Point Light: Similar to a regular light bulb, this light source has no specific direction, shape or angle and projects light in all directions.
Area Light | Spotlight |
Directional Light | Point Light |
To choose the lighting:
1.) On the Main menu, click 3D Environment and then Add Lights. You can also view the lighting options under Lights in the 3D Resources tab. To do this, click the + icon next to the New Lights Preset drop-down list. The following lighting options are available:
2.) Select the lighting option you want to use. The parameters for the selected option appear in the Context view. Depending on the lighting option selected, a window similar to the following appears:
3.) Adjust the parameters as necessary.
A description of all possible parameters follows:
Type | Select the type of light source |
Color | Select the color of the light source |
Intensity | Allows you to set the intensity of the light source |
Distance | Available for Area Light |
Angle | Available for Spotlight. Determines the angle of the light source |
Falloff | Available for Spotlight and Directional Light. Determines how light is dimmed towards the edges of the light beam |
Width | Available for Area Light only. Determines the size of the light source shape |
Height | Available for Area Light only. Determines the size of the light source shape |
Cast Shadow | Allows hiding the default shadow that appears (based on HDRI parameters) |
3D Object | Allows hiding the 3D objects which project light. You can also toggle the
icon next to the light type in the 3D Resources tab |
3D Transformation | Allows manually adjusting the 3D Gizmo parameters |
Parametric Light Presets
Accessing Parametric Light Presets
All light presets can be found inside the Lights menu drop-down:
You can any of our three default presets, or any custom presets you have saved.
Default Lighting Presets
We provide three default presets for you to use:
Three Point Lighting
Two Point Lighting
Two Point Lights With Reflective Background
These default presets can be modified and resaved as your own custom preset. If you want to create your own lighting setup, but are unsure where to start, these can serve as a good starting point.
Creating your own Parametric Lighting Preset
You can save any custom light setup inside the light menu by entering a name, then pressing the save button:
Exporting/Importing Parametric Lighting Presets
Custom lighting presets can be exported by first selecting the preset, then pressing the Export button inside the preset dropdown:
This will create a .lit file that contains your parametric light setup. This can be shared with other users, who can import the .lit file into their VStitcher using the Import button in their dropdown menu.