pwSurface

Diffuse Softness allows light to spread over the surface of the object, gently softening its appearance.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Rough surfaces like skin, paper and paint should use very high Diffuse Softness values.

Values can range from 0 to 200%, defaulting to 0%. The four images above show 0%, 50%, 100% and 200%, going from left to right.

Diffuse Rim Color lets you enhance the edges of an object where light hits. Rim lighting helps it appear as though light is partially penetrating an object, or being caught by fine hairs.

Figure A

Figure B

Diffuse Rim Color controls the color and intensity of the rim lighting. You can use a texture map as well, if you like.

You'll typically want to choose a dark color for the Diffuse Rim Color, or else it may appear too bright. I've used bright green in the examples to show how the Diffuse Rim Color is applied. You should choose a color that is similar to your Diffuse Color, but a slightly warmer hue.

Diffuse Rim Width controls the size of the rim lighting and ranges from 0 to 2.

Figure A

Figure B

The Diffuse Rim Width should usually be set below 1.0. For skin, I use a value between 0.5 and 0.7.

Diffuse Fill Color adds color as the diffuse value moves from light to dark. Fill is an excellent way to add depth to your objects. Think about it as light picking up an internal color from the object while it bounces.

Figure A

Figure B

Diffuse Fill Color controls the color added. The brightness of the color controls the intensity of the effect.

Keep the Diffuse Fill Color dark, or else you risk overpowering your Diffuse Color! A dark and deep Diffuse Fill Color will do the job nicely for skin.