The Directional Parameters rollout appears when you create or select a target direct or free direct light. These parameters control hotspots and falloff.
To see the directional cone in viewports:
The cone is always visible while the light is selected. This setting keeps the cone visible when the light is unselected.
A wireframe outline of the light's cone appears. The hotspot region is outlined in light blue, and the falloff region is outlined in dark gray.
The cone is always visible while the light is selected.
To adjust the hotspot and falloff:
By default, the falloff value is always constrained to be at least two degrees or two units greater than the hotspot value. The size of this constraint is a preference that you can change in the Rendering panel of the Preferences dialog. The falloff value can range from 0 to 10,000 units.
When the hotspot and falloff values are equal, the light casts a hard-edged beam.
To set the shape of the light beam:
The shape of the light's cone changes to reflect the shape you chose.
To change a rectangular light's aspect ratio:
The Bitmap Fit button is another way to set the aspect ratio. It is mainly used with projections.
These parameters control hotspots and falloff for spotlights.
Turns display of the cone on or off.
When Overshoot is set, the light casts light in all directions. However, projections and shadows occur only within its falloff cone.
Adjusts the size of a light's cone. The Hotspot value is measured in 3ds Max units. Default=43.0.
Adjusts the size of a light's falloff. The Falloff value is measured in 3ds Max units. Default=45.0.
You can also adjust hotspot and falloff angles in a Light viewport (looking at the scene from the point of view of the spotlight).
Determine the shape of the falloff and hotspot areas. Set Circle when you want a standard, circular light. Set Rectangle when you want a rectangular beam of light, such as light cast through a window or doorway.
Sets the aspect ratio for the rectangular light beam. The Bitmap Fit button lets you make the aspect ratio match a specified bitmap. Default=1.0.
If the light's projection aspect is rectangular, sets the aspect ratio to match a particular bitmap. This is useful when you are using the light as a projector light.