How to Use free light in 3ds MAX

text size: T | T Related software / service: 3ds MAX 8

Problem

The 3ds MAX include the free light tools. It has no target sub-object. You can aim it by using transforms. Now, I'd like to tell you how to use free light in 3ds MAX.

Solution

First, open 3ds MAX and create an object.
Click tag > > Photometric > Free Point or Create menu > Lights > Photometric Lights > Free Point to create a free point light.
Here are the parameters of the free light.
►►General Parameters
On-------------------------------------------------Turns the light on and off. Default=on.
Targeted-----------------------------------------When on, the light has a target. When off, you aim the light using transforms.
Target Distance-------------------------------Shows the target distance. For a target light, this field simply displays the distance.
►Shadows group
On-------------------------------------------------Determines whether the current light casts shadows or not. Default=on.
Shadow Method drop-down list---------Determines whether the renderer uses shadow maps, ray-traced shadows, advanced ray-traced shadows, or area shadows, to generate shadows for this light.
Use Global Settings-------------------------Turn on to use global settings for shadows cast by this light.
Exclude button--------------------------------Excludes selected objects from the effects of the light.

►►Intensity/Color/Attenuation
►Color group
Light----------------------Pick a common lamp specification to approximate the spectral character of your light.
Kelvin--------------------Set the color of the light by adjusting the color temperature spinners.
Filter Color-------------Use a color filter to simulate the effect of a color filter placed over the light source. Default=white (RGB=255,255,255; HSV=0,0,255).
►Intensity group
lm (lumen)--------------Measures the overall output power of the light (luminous flux). A 100-watt general purpose light bulb has a luminous flux of about 1750 lm.
cd (candela)------------Measures the maximum luminous intensity of the light, usually along the direction of aim. a 100-watt general purpose light bulb has a luminous intensity of about 139 cd.
lx at (lux)-----------------Measures illuminance caused by the light shining on a surface at a certain distance and facing in the direction of the source. The lux is the International Scene unit, which is equivalent to 1 lumen per square meter.
You can also use the tools to adjust the light.