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Understanding Light Transform properties


    Like cameras, lights can be animated in 3D space. Use the light Transform properties to change the angle and distance of the light source. Lights have all the Transform properties that a layer has, except for scale and anchor point. Also, like cameras, the directional lights, Spot and Parallel, have a point of interest.

    The light's point of interest, shown by the point of interest icon (the point of interest icon), indicates the spot in the composition to which the light is directed. By default, the point of interest is the center of the composition, and the light is auto-oriented to it. You can have the light continue to point at the point of interest as it changes position, have the light oriented toward the motion path, or turn off orientation altogether. You can adjust the point of interest only if the light is auto-oriented toward the point of interest.

    If the light is auto-oriented toward the point of interest, it continues to point at that point as you change its position. When you change the light's position by dragging the light icon in the Composition window, or by changing the light's position value in the Timeline window, the point of interest remains stationary within the composition and, as the light moves along the motion path, it continues to point at the point of interest. When you adjust the light's position by dragging its axes in the Composition window, the point of interest moves with the light, but the light continues to be oriented toward it. You could use this option to depict a light falling on a single subject as the light source moves past the subject. You could also use this option to follow a moving element.

    If the light is auto-oriented toward the motion path, then the light points only in the direction of the motion path. You could use this option to the depict a driver's perspective in viewing his own headlights while travelling down a dark road.

    If the light auto-orientation is turned off, then the light rotates freely along the motion path independent of the orientation of the motion path or the location of a point of interest.

To move a light or point of interest in the Composition window:

  1. In the Timeline or Composition window, move the current-time marker to the point in time where the light you want to transform is active, and select the light layer you want to transform.
  2. Choose the selection or rotation tool.
  3. Do one of the following:
    • To move the light and, if applicable, the point of interest, position the cursor over the axis you want to adjust and drag the axes.
    • To move the light along a particular axis without moving the point of interest, hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) while dragging the axis along which you want to move the light.
    • To move the point of interest, drag the point of interest icon (the point of interest icon).