Light types

Learn Directional, Point, Spot and Area light types.

Four light types

There are four light types in Unity scenes: Directional, Point, Spot and Area. A Spot light spreads in a cone like a flashlight; a Point light reaches in all directions from a single point like a candle. The light type is decided by the type property of the Light component.

isik.type = LightType.Spot;
isik.type = LightType.Point;

In the examples below, the isik variable represents a Light component.

The character of each type

A Directional light is like the sun; its position does not matter, only its direction, and it sends parallel rays to every object. An Area light gives soft light from a rectangular surface. Choosing the right type for the need of the scene directly affects how it looks.

isik.type = LightType.Directional;
isik.type = LightType.Area;

Each type exists for a different lighting purpose.

Exercise Record the light type

In a class named IsikTanimi, define a string tur field with the value "Spot". In the Start method, print the text "Secilen tur: " joined with the tur variable using Debug.Log.

Show example solution

using UnityEngine;

public class IsikTanimi : MonoBehaviour
{
    string tur = "Spot";

    void Start()
    {
        Debug.Log("Secilen tur: " + tur);
    }
}

Test yourself

Which light type emits light in a cone shape like a flashlight?
- Spot light
- Area light
- Directional light
- Point light
Show answer

Spot light — A spot light spreads in a cone from a single point; it suits flashlights and directed lamps.

Select the point light type

isik.type = LightType.____;

Show answer

isik.type = LightType.Point;

Light types and their traits

Directional

Parallel rays like the sun
Point

Light in all directions like a candle
Spot

A cone like a flashlight
Area

Soft light from a surface

Next lesson: Shadow settings

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