AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Point Light
August 9, 2004 A point light radiates light rays equally in
all directions. It generates a similar effect to a light bulb.
Point lights can generate shadows. You may use several point
lights in a scene. However, it is better to limit the number of
point lights to have more control over the parameters. The
following tutorial shows you how to install and change
parameters of point lights. It also demonstrates the effect of
point lights on some 3D models. Note that when you install a
point light you also remove the default light. Therefore the
only lights in effect are those that you install.
Notes:
► This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2005 though might be
applicable to other releases.
► In this tutorial user entries are in boldface.
► The
8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download and
then open
r16_point_light.dwg. The file contains some 3D solid models
shown in a single viewport [Figure 1].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an
earlier release download
r15_ambient_light.dwg.
Figure 1
2. Invoke the
LIGHT command (choose View > Render > Light...). The Light
dialog box appears [Figure 2].
Figure 2
3. From the
drop-down list next to the New button, select Point Light
[Figure 3].
Figure 3
4. Click New.
The "New Point Light" dialog box appears [Figure 4].
Figure 4
5. In Light
Name box on the top left corner of dialog box, type P1. You
could type in another name.
6. Change the
intensity value to 4. Highlight the text in Intensity box and
then type in 4 to replace the existing value.
7. In Position
section, click the Modify button to modify the location of point
light. The dialog box disappears. Define the location of light
icon as follows and then press Enter to return to the dialog
box.
Enter light location <current>: 5,0,4
8
8. In both
dialog boxes click OK to save changes and close them.
9. Invoke the RENDER command (View > Render > Render...). The
rendered image appears [Figure 5].
Figure 5
10. Repeat the
LIGHT command. Click the Modify button. In "Modify Point Light"
dialog box select the "Shadow On" option [Figure 6]. In both
dialog boxes click OK.
Figure 6
11. Repeat the
RENDER command. The effect of shadow appears on the image
[Figure 7].
Figure 7
12. Invoke the
LIGHT command once more. Create a new light point (Refer to step
3 for more information).
13. In the "New
Point Light" dialog box define the light name and intensity as
shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8
14. Change the
location of the light as follows (Refer to step 7 for more
information):
Enter light
location <current>: -20,-10,30 8
15. In both
dialog boxes click OK.
16. Render the
scene [Figure 9].
Figure 9
About the Author
Alireza Parsai is the founder of cadpanel.com. He is a mechanical
engineer with more than 12 years experience with AutoCAD.
Alireza is an Autodesk Authorized Author, the CAD consultant for HiTech, Canada Institute, a contributing editor
for Augiworld magazine, a writer for CAD Digest, and an
instructor for AUGI Training Program. He has written 8 books in
Farsi, 3 booklets in English, and more than 100 articles for
different magazines and newsletters. You can reach Alireza by
phone at +1 (416) 513 1535, by email at
alirezap@htinsititute.com or visit his website
www.cadpanel.com.
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