Light types (sun/directional, area, point, spot, HDRI/environment)
Choose sun, area, point, spot, or HDRI lights to match the lighting plan for a 3D render.
What it is
Each 3D light type behaves differently. A sun or directional light sends parallel rays from one direction. An area light emits from a shaped surface, such as a rectangle or disc, and produces soft, wrapping light. A point light radiates in all directions from one point. A spot light creates a cone with adjustable angle and softness. An HDRI or environment light surrounds the scene using a panoramic image as its source.
Match the light type to the reference and the effect you need. Use a sun or directional light for crisp shadows at a defined outdoor angle. Use large area lights for soft studio light. Place a point or small area light where a visible lamp or orb is located. Load and rotate an HDRI to establish outdoor or interior light without placing each light by hand.
Light types can work together. An HDRI can provide general ambience, a directional light can add a strong sun angle, and a spot or area light can add a focused accent. The setup should provide paintable cues, including key direction, bounce, and shadow softness that fit the scene.
Why it matters
Using the wrong light type can give the 3D base the wrong shadow softness, falloff, or direction. Matching the setup to the lighting plan reduces correction during paintover.
You can check it when
- ✓You can identify whether a reference's main lighting is best represented by a directional, area, point, spot, or environment light.
- ✓You can build simple sunny, overcast, studio, or lamp-lit scenes by changing light types and sizes, then combine an HDRI with manual lights without conflicting directions.