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Creating colored shadows and stained-glass effects


    Instead of merely casting black shadows, layers can now act like transparencies and can cast their color on another layer. Using a new Transform property called Light Transmission, you set the percentage of light that shines through a layer. You can also create the effect of light passing through stained glass by placing a light behind a layer and adjusting its light transmission.

    To access the Light Transmission property, expand the layer's Material Options. A light transmission value of 0 means that no light passes through the layer and it casts a black shadow. This setting renders faster and is recommended if you don't want to cast a colored shadow or want previews to render quickly. A value of 100 means that the full color value of the shadow-casting layer is projected on the layer accepting the shadow.

    Note: To cast a colored shadow, make sure that you turn on the Cast Shadows option for both the shadow-casting layer and the corresponding light layer.