Applying shadows to objects

There are two shaders you can add to models that will cause them to make shadows, the Live Shadow and Shadow Map shaders.

To apply the Live Shadow shader:

  1. In the Asset browser, open Shading Elements > Shaders.
  2. Drag the Live Shadow shader from the Asset browser and drop it on a model in the Viewer window.
  3. Select Replace, Replace All, or Append to specify how the shader reacts to the other surfaces on your model.
  4. Alt-drag any models in your scene that you want to cast shadows into the Models Casting Shadows field in the Live shader settings.

    You can also click the Models Casting Shadows button next to the field to display the Asset list, where you can choose from models used in your scene.

  5. Adjust the other shader settings to suit your needs.

To apply the Shadow Map shader:

  1. In the Asset browser, open Shading Elements > Shaders.
  2. Drag the Shadow Map shader from the Asset browser and drop it on a model in the Viewer window.
  3. Select Replace, Replace All, or Append to specify how the shader reacts to the other surfaces on your model.

    When you apply the Shadow Map shader, the selected object turns blue. Your object or plane is then ready for the Shadow Map shader.

  4. Alt-drag any models in your scene that you want to cast shadows into the Models Casting Shadows field in the Live shader settings.

    You can also click the Models Casting Shadows button next to the field to display the Asset list, where you can choose from models used in your scene.

  5. Click Generate Map in the shader settings. The shadow map is generated and is visible in the Viewer window.

    Generate a new map each time you want to save adjustments made to the Shadow Map shader settings.

To apply the Dynamic Lighting shader:

  1. In the Asset browser, open Shading Elements > Shaders.
  2. Drag the Dynamic Lighting shader from the Asset browser and drop it on a model in the Viewer window.
  3. Select Replace All or Replace By Type to specify how the shader reacts to the other surfaces on your model.
    Note: If you select Append to apply the Dynamic Lighting shader when the Default shader is also applied to the model, you may see undesirable results, such as flickering. Select Replace By Type or Replace All when you apply the Dynamic Lighting shader to detach the Default shader.
  4. In the Navigator, open the Light settings of the light affecting the object, then select Linear or Quadratic from the Attenuation menu.