In Adobe Dimension, you don't typically "add" a shadow as a separate layer or effect like you would in 2D software. Shadows are automatically generated as a natural result of how light interacts with objects in your 3D scene. To create and control shadows, you need to adjust the lighting and environment settings.
## How Shadows Are Created in Dimension
Shadows occur when an opaque object blocks light from a light source. Dimension's rendering engine calculates these interactions to produce realistic shadows. The appearance of shadows (their softness, intensity, and direction) depends heavily on the properties of your light sources and the environment.
## Key Factors Affecting Shadows
Several elements in your Dimension scene influence the shadows that appear:
### Environment Light
The **Environment** is a crucial component for overall scene lighting and ambient shadows. As hinted in resources like the video titled "Set Environment Color, Light and Reflections in Adobe Dimension," adjusting the environment's intensity, rotation, and chosen HDRI (High Dynamic Range Image) directly impacts the global illumination and soft shadows.
* **Intensity:** Controls the overall brightness from the environment, affecting shadow darkness.
* **Rotation:** Changes the direction from which the environment light is coming, altering shadow placement.
* **HDRI:** Different environments provide different lighting scenarios (e.g., studio, outdoor) which have unique shadow qualities.
### Directional Light
Dimension also includes a primary **Directional Light**, which simulates a sun or main light source far away. This light source is responsible for casting sharp, distinct shadows.
* **Intensity:** Determines how strong the direct light is, influencing the clarity and darkness of cast shadows.
* **Rotation/Height:** Controls the direction and angle of this light, dictating the position and length of sharp shadows.
* **Softness:** Adjusting the softness of the directional light can create softer, more diffused shadows.
### Object Properties
The materials and physical properties of your 3D models also play a role. Opaque objects will block light and cast shadows, while transparent or translucent objects will interact with light differently.
## Controlling and Enhancing Shadows
To fine-tune your shadows, focus on adjusting the lighting and environment settings:
1. **Select Objects:** Ensure your objects are placed correctly on a ground plane or surface for shadows to fall upon. Dimension often uses a default ground plane that catches shadows.
2. **Adjust Directional Light:** In the Scene panel, select "Directional Light." Use the Properties panel to change its rotation, height, intensity, and softness until the main shadow looks right.
3. **Modify Environment Settings:** Select "Environment" in the Scene panel. Use the Properties panel to adjust rotation, intensity, and choose different HDRI images to change the overall lighting and ambient shadows. This is key for realistic global illumination and softer shadows.
4. **Ground Plane Settings:** Check the ground plane's settings (if you are using one). Ensure it is set to catch shadows correctly. The opacity and reflectivity of the ground plane also affect how shadows appear on it.
Here's a quick overview of key settings influencing shadows:
| Setting | Panel | Impact on Shadows |
| :---------------- | :----------- | :-------------------------------------------------- |
| Environment HDRI | Properties | Overall ambient lighting, soft shadows, light bounce |
| Environment Rotation| Properties | Direction of ambient/soft light |
| Environment Intensity| Properties | Brightness of ambient light, shadow darkness |
| Directional Light Rotation/Height| Properties | Direction and length of sharp shadows |
| Directional Light Intensity| Properties | Darkness/clarity of sharp shadows |
| Directional Light Softness| Properties | Edge sharpness of cast shadows |
| Ground Plane Opacity | Properties | How visible shadows are on the ground |
By manipulating these light and environment parameters, you gain precise control over the appearance and placement of shadows in your Adobe Dimension scene.
