DirectionalLight3D

Learn sun-like lighting with DirectionalLight3D.

DirectionalLight3D and Sunlight

To simulate parallel light rays originating from an infinitely distant source in outdoor scenes, the DirectionalLight3D node is used. This light represents the sun or moon; its position is irrelevant, only its rotation determines the incident direction of light rays.

DirectionalLight3D sun = new DirectionalLight3D();
sun.LightEnergy = 1.2f;

Enabling Shadows

By default, shadow casting is disabled on lights to preserve performance. To create realistic shadows, set the ShadowEnabled property to true. The brightness and intensity emitted into the scene is adjusted via the LightEnergy property.

sun.ShadowEnabled = true;
GD.Print("Shadows enabled: " + sun.ShadowEnabled);

Exercise Configure Light Energy and Shadows

Set sun.ShadowEnabled to true and print the energy value with GD.Print("Enerji: " + sun.LightEnergy);.

Show example solution

using System;

public class DirectionalLight3D
{
    public bool ShadowEnabled { get; set; } = false;
    public float LightEnergy { get; set; } = 1.5f;
}

public static class GD
{
    public static void Print(object message) => Console.WriteLine(message);
}

public class Program
{
    public static void Main()
    {
        DirectionalLight3D sun = new DirectionalLight3D();
        sun.ShadowEnabled = true;
        GD.Print("Enerji: " + sun.LightEnergy);
    }
}

Test yourself

Which of the following determines the direction light strikes in the scene for a DirectionalLight3D?
- The node's rotation angle
- The light's X and Y coordinate position
- The light's scale
- The light's Fov value
Show answer

The node's rotation angle — Because directional light emits parallel rays, its position does not matter; only its rotation determines the incident light angle.

Enable Shadows

isik.____ = true;

Show answer

isik.ShadowEnabled = true;

Light Components Matching

DirectionalLight3D

Emits parallel light like the sun
ShadowEnabled

Setting to enable light shadows
LightEnergy

Brightness and energy of light
Rotation

Incident angle of light on scene

Next lesson: StandardMaterial3D

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