Gels

Gels are special textures designed specifically for light sources: the mapping and scale information is pre-set. Gels simulate light passing through something: a window, blinds, stained glass, etc.

With a gel, the light source projects the pattern or image onto the objects that the light source is illuminating.

Gels can be applied to selected light sources from the Resource palette or from the Object Properties palette.

Strata 3D includes several built-in gels. You can access them through the Gels pop-up list on the Object Properties palette for that light source or the Gels tab on the Resource palette.

To Apply A Gel To A Light Source:

    1. Select the light source.

    2. Select a gel from the pop-up list on the light source's Object Properties palette. Strata 3D loads the gel and applies it to the light source.

To Edit A Gel

Rather than using the pre-loaded gels, you might want to customize or create gels of your own.

    1. Select the Gel you want to edit, then click the Edit button on the Resource palette. The Gel editing dialog will appear.

    2. If you want to keep the original intact, select New, then use the Copy from field and give it a new name.

    3. Make the changes you want, and click OK.

To Create A New Gel:

    1. Select New from the pop-up Gel list on the Object Properties palette for that light source. The Image Gel dialog will appear.

    2. Select the properties of the gel. Here you can import a PICT or animation as a map. Click Apply, then OK.

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