Post-Processing Volume
The post-processing volume is a powerful tool in Unreal Engine for controlling visual effects.
- Specify the Region: Define the region where the volume will apply its effects. Selecting “unbounded” makes the effects infinite in scope but can be computationally expensive.
- Recommendation: It is advised to work with a post-processing volume instead of relying solely on the camera’s post-processing settings.
Mobility Settings for Lights
Lighting in Unreal Engine can be configured based on mobility settings, each offering distinct performance and functionality:
- Static:
- Precomputed lighting baked into lightmaps during the build process.
- Performance-friendly, with shadows baked directly into textures.
- Stationary:
- A hybrid of static and movable lights.
- Some lighting is baked, but properties like intensity and colour can be adjusted at runtime.
- Movable:
- Fully dynamic lights with real-time calculations for lighting and shadows.
- The most performance-intensive option, requiring careful use in large-scale projects.
Directional Light
- Example Use: The sun within the scene (default name: “Directional Light”).
- Key Properties:
- Source Angle: Adjusts the size of the sun.
- Temperature: A computationally efficient way to define ambience and light aesthetics without relying on post-processing volumes.
Creating a Moon from the Sun:
- Lower the source angle until the sun disappears (shrinking into pixels).
- Reduce the light intensity.
- Create a material for the moon by first making a master material and an instance of it (useful for sky texturing).
- Use a primitive sphere, texture it, and place it over the altered sun.
Spot Light
Spotlights are the least expensive light type to use in a scene.
- IES Profiles:
- IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) profiles can only be applied to spotlights.
- These pre-optimized functions enhance performance and realism.
- Download IES Light Profile Packs from Fab to access optimized light functions and materials.
Key Adjustments for Spotlights:
- Increase intensity.
- Adjust the inner cone angle.
- Change intensity units to the lumen.
Sky Light
- Skylights provide global illumination and are essential for realistic reflections.
Reflections
- Access and adjust reflections via the post-processing volume.
Baked Lighting
- Baked lighting is precomputed and stored in lightmaps, improving performance by eliminating runtime calculations.