Lighting Scenes

Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the visual quality of your voxel scenes. This section provides an overview of the lighting options available and how to effectively utilize them to create stunning environments.

Default Lighting

The default light source in Foxel is the Sun, which is controlled through the camera settings. The Sun is designed to provide a natural lighting effect, simulating sunlight in your scenes.

Custom Light Sources

In addition to the default Sun, you can add and place any number of custom light sources to enhance your scene's illumination. To create a custom light source, navigate to Object > Create.

Supported Light Types

Foxel supports three types of light sources:

1. Point Light: Emits light in all directions from a single point.

   • Shadows: Can cast shadows, but is limited to 4 shadow casters per light type.

2. Spot Light: Emits light in a specific direction, creating a cone of light.

   • Shadows: Can also cast shadows, with the same limitation of 4 shadow casters.

3. Directional Light: Simulates sunlight by emitting parallel rays in a specific direction.

   • Shadows: Directional lights cannot cast shadows, except for the Sun.

Sun Properties

The Sun light source has unique properties that enhance its functionality:

• Shadow Casting: The Sun is the only directional light that can cast shadows, providing depth and realism to your scenes.
• Lens Flare Effect: The Sun affects the lens flare render effect, adding a dynamic visual element when viewed directly.
• Atmospheric Scattering: If the sky uses atmospheric scattering, the position and intensity of the Sun will influence the overall lighting and shading of the scene.

Sky Lighting Options

Foxel offers several options for sky lighting, which can significantly impact the shading of objects, including reflections:

• Atmospheric Scattering: Provides a realistic sky effect, simulating the scattering of light in the atmosphere.
• Image-Based Lighting: Uses a pre-defined environment map to create reflections and ambient light.
• Uniform Lighting: Offers a consistent lighting effect across the scene, without variations.

Choose the appropriate sky setting based on the desired aesthetic and the specific requirements of your scene.

Tips for Effective Lighting Setups

1. Layer Your Lights:

   • Use a combination of different light types (point, spot, and directional) to create a more dynamic and realistic lighting environment. Layering lights can help achieve depth and dimension in your scenes.

2. Adjust Intensity and Color:

   • Experiment with the intensity and color of your lights to set the mood of your scene. Warmer colors can create a cozy atmosphere, while cooler colors can evoke a more dramatic or mysterious feel.

3. Use Shadows Wisely:

   • Limit the number of lights casting shadows to maintain performance and avoid visual clutter. Use shadows strategically to enhance the realism of your scene, but avoid overusing them, as this can lead to a confusing visual experience.

4. Positioning Matters:

   • Pay attention to the placement of your light sources. Position point and spot lights to highlight key features or focal points in your scene. Directional lights, like the Sun, should be placed to simulate natural sunlight direction.

5. Utilize Ambient Light:

   • Incorporate ambient light to fill in shadows and create a more balanced lighting effect. This can help prevent overly dark areas in your scene and improve overall visibility.

6. Test Different Sky Settings:

   • Experiment with different sky lighting options (atmospheric scattering, environment map, uniform lighting) to see how they affect the overall look of your scene. Each setting can dramatically change the mood and appearance of your voxel environment.

7. Consider Time of Day:

   • If your scene represents a specific time of day, adjust the Sun's position and intensity accordingly. Early morning and late afternoon light is typically warmer and softer, while midday light is harsher and more direct.

8. Use Light Effects Sparingly:

   • While effects like lens flare and bloom can enhance your scene, use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming the viewer. Subtlety often leads to a more polished and professional look.

9. Preview Frequently:

   • Regularly preview your scene from different angles and lighting conditions to ensure that the lighting works well in all views. This can help you identify any areas that may need adjustment.

10. Seek Inspiration:

    • Look at other voxel art or 3D scenes for inspiration on lighting setups. Analyzing how other artists use light can provide valuable insights and ideas for your own projects.