3D Modeling FoundationsLighting Basics
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3D Modeling Foundations

Course progress0/15
1Introduction to 3D
  • What is 3D Modeling?
  • Real-World Applications
  • The Coordinate System
  • Your First 3D Object
2Navigating 3D Space
  • Viewport Navigation
  • Grid, Axes, and Helpers
  • Navigate and Position
3Basic Shapes
  • Primitive Shapes
  • Transforming Objects
  • Naming and Organizing
  • Build a Simple Object
4Materials & Lighting
  • Understanding Materials
  • Lighting Basics
  • Apply Materials
5Mini Project
  • Mini Project: Build a Desk Scene

3D Modeling Foundations

Course progress0/15
1Introduction to 3D
  • What is 3D Modeling?
  • Real-World Applications
  • The Coordinate System
  • Your First 3D Object
2Navigating 3D Space
  • Viewport Navigation
  • Grid, Axes, and Helpers
  • Navigate and Position
3Basic Shapes
  • Primitive Shapes
  • Transforming Objects
  • Naming and Organizing
  • Build a Simple Object
4Materials & Lighting
  • Understanding Materials
  • Lighting Basics
  • Apply Materials
5Mini Project
  • Mini Project: Build a Desk Scene

Lighting Basics

Dramatic lighting effect
Light reveals shape and creates mood

Light is essential for seeing 3D objects. Our editor provides automatic lighting, but understanding it helps you create better scenes.

Light Types

Ambient Light

  • Fills the entire scene evenly
  • No shadows
  • Prevents completely dark areas
  • Our editor: Low ambient (0.4 intensity)

Directional Light

  • Like the sun - parallel rays
  • Casts shadows
  • Has direction but no position
  • Our editor: Main light from above

Point Light

  • Like a light bulb
  • Radiates in all directions
  • Falls off with distance
  • Not used in our basic editor
Info
Our editor uses a pre-configured lighting setup optimized for modeling. In more advanced 3D software, you can fully customize lights.

Shadows

Directional light creates shadows:

  • Objects block light

  • Shadows show depth and grounding

  • Help objects "sit" on surfaces

Tip
Shadows are crucial for making your scene look realistic. They help viewers understand the spatial relationships between objects.

Environment Lighting

Our editor includes environment lighting:

  • Simulates light from the sky

  • Creates subtle reflections

  • Makes metallic materials look realistic

Tips for Good Lighting

  1. 1Position objects on the grid - shadows ground them
  2. 2Use metallic materials - they show environment reflections
  3. 3Avoid pure black - use dark gray for better visibility
  4. 4Check from multiple angles - orbit to see how light hits

Why It Matters

Good lighting:

  • Reveals shape and form

  • Shows material properties

  • Creates mood and atmosphere

  • Makes exports look professional

Note
When you export your model, the lighting won't be included - only the objects and materials. The destination (website, game, etc.) will provide its own lighting.