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Why a Skybox with custom HDRI doesn't produce shadows?

Discussion in 'Global Illumination' started by benjano, Jul 19, 2017.

  1. benjano

    benjano

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2016
    Posts:
    6
    As the title says,
    I'd like to illuminate my environments with my custom HDRIs only, cause I get way better results.
    But when I delete the light that I use as a sun in the Lighting panel, shadows disappear.
    Is it possible?
    Thanks.
    Ben.
     
    benjano, Jul 19, 2017
    #1
    DougRichardson likes this.

  2. Amitgp

    Amitgp

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    Posts:
    22
    Amitgp, Jul 25, 2017
    #2

  3. UnityLighting

    UnityLighting

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2015
    Posts:
    3,793
    You can only use HDRI as ambient light source. For sun you must use Directional lights
     
    UnityLighting, Jul 26, 2017
    #3

  4. Amitgp

    Amitgp

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    Posts:
    22
    Generally you would still need a light source that cast shadow, as far as I know a HDRI doesn't cast shadow. Some people know a technique but not out of the box.
     
    Amitgp, Jul 28, 2017
    #4

  5. UnityLighting

    UnityLighting

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2015
    Posts:
    3,793
    HDRI can also cast shadows but not from HDRI sun light. Only ambient shadows.
     
    UnityLighting, Jul 28, 2017
    #5
    Amitgp likes this.

  6. Vicktorviggo11

    Vicktorviggo11

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2022
    Posts:
    5
    where should i place my directional lights and how far back
     
    Vicktorviggo11, May 1, 2023
    #6

  7. bnmguy

    bnmguy

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2020
    Posts:
    125
    The only thing that matters with directional lights is the direction. How far away it is won't make a difference. I usually leave mine at the default location.
     
    bnmguy, May 17, 2023
    #7