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Understanding 3D layer material options


    In the Timeline window, 3D layers have an additional set of properties called Material Options. These determine how a 3D layer interacts with light and shadow, both of which are important components of realism and perspective in 3D animation.

    Layer material options
    Layer material options

    In the timeline, when you expand a 3D layer and then expand the Material Options for that layer, the following properties appear:

    Casts Shadows

    Used to cast a shadow on layers within the range of that shadow. The direction and angle of the shadows is determined by the direction and angle of the light sources.

    Accepts Shadows

    Used to show the shadow cast on a layer by another layer.

    Accepts Lights

    Lets the layer be illuminated by any light that reaches it.

    Ambient

    Sets the level of ambient (nondirectional) reflectivity of the layer. A setting of 100% creates the most reflectivity; a setting of 0% means that the layer does not exhibit any ambient reflective properties.

    Diffuse

    Sets the level of diffuse (omnidirectional) reflectivity of the layer. Applying diffuse reflectivity to a layer is like draping a dull, plastic sheet over it. Light that falls on this sheet reflects equally in all directions. A setting of 100% creates the most reflectivity; a setting of 0% means that the layer does not exhibit any diffuse reflective properties.

    Specular

    Sets the level of specular (directional) reflectivity of the layer. Light reflecting from a layer with specular reflective attributes reflects from the layer as if the layer were a mirror. A setting of 100% creates the most reflectivity; a setting of 0% means that the layer does not exhibit any specular reflective properties.

    Shininess

    Sets the size of the specular highlight. This value is only active if the specular setting is greater than zero. A setting of 100% produces a reflection with a small specular highlight. A setting of 0% produces a large specular highlight.