Lighting Design Features

There are multiple tools available on the Selection tab of the Tools dialog box. With the Lighting Mode in the On position, the tools on this tab will allow you to select lighting objects on the design screen. Each object is placed on its own layer. From this dialog box, you can easily move objects in front or behind other objects. You can make any layer visible or invisible, or you can enable or disable any layer. In addition, you can adjust the effects on each lighting object such as the Line Width, Edge Curve, Edge Softness, and Light Intensity.

Elliptical Lights

The Elliptical Light command allows you to draw a circular or elliptical light pattern on the design screen. You can adjust the Edge Softness and Light Intensity as necessary. Press and hold down the Shift key to form a perfect circle while setting the two points on the design screen. You can adjust the size and shape of the light pattern and the focal point of the distribution from the Selection tab.

Conical Lights

The Conical Light command allows you to draw a light pattern in the shape of a cone on the design screen. You can adjust the Edge Curve, Edge Softness, and Light Intensity as necessary. You can adjust the size and shape of the light pattern and the focal point of the distribution from the Selection tab.

Polygon Lights

The Polygon Light command allows you to draw an irregular shaped lighted area on the background image or canvas. This tool is useful in applying ambient light to complete an effect. You can adjust the Edge Curve, Edge Softness, and Light Intensity as necessary. If you make a mistake while outlining the area, click with the right mouse button and then click Delete Last Point or press the Esc key on the keyboard. You may continue this process until all points for the current area have been removed. You can adjust the size and shape of the light pattern and the focal point of the distribution from the Selection tab.

Line Light

The Line Light command allows you to draw a straight lighting pattern on the design screen. You can adjust the Line Width, Edge Softness, and Light Intensity as necessary. You can adjust the size of the light pattern and the focal point of the distribution from the Selection tab.

Create Shadow from Object

The Create Shadow from Object command allows you to create shadows for objects on the design screen. For example, the tool may be used to silhouette a plant against a wall. You can only create a shadow on one object at a time.

Create Highlight from Object

The Create Highlight from Object command allows you to reflect light from an object on the design screen. For example, the tool may be used to highlight branches in a tree or the bottom of a plant symbol. You can only create a highlight on one object at a time.

Create Glare

The Create Glare command allows you to draw a circular glare at the source point of a light on the design screen. You can adjust the size of the glare pattern from the Selection tab.

Lighting Options

The Lighting Options command allows you to adjust the background image or canvas darkness and the tint of all lighting effects on the design screen. The Lighting Tint Color will effect all lighting objects on the design screen.