2009

source to the distance specified by Start, then its value drops off to zero at the
distance specified by End.
Adding attenuation to a scene
When Use is set for Near attenuation, the light value remains at zero up to
the distance specified by Start. From Start to the distance specified by End, its
value increases. Beyond End, the light remains at the value specified by the
color and multiplier controls, unless far attenuation is also active.
You can't set the Near and Far attenuation distances so they overlap.
The Decay controls are an additional way to make a light fade out.
TIP When lights are attenuated, the light might be too bright on near surfaces or
too dim on far surfaces. If you see this in renderings, exposure control can help
correct the problem. It adjusts the larger dynamic range of the (simulated) physical
scene, into the smaller dynamic range of the display. See
Environment Panel on
page 6689 for additional information on exposure control.
Procedures
To choose the color of a light using the color selector:
1 Click the color swatch next to the On check box.
A modal
Color Selector on page 391 is displayed.
2 Use the Color Selector to choose a new color, and then click OK.
Shaded viewports update to show the new light color, which also appears
in renderings.
To change a light's intensity:
■ Increase the light's Multiplier value.
5084 | Chapter 18 Lights and Cameras