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Lighting

Lighting plays a key role in blending 3D objects into real-world video. 

When set correctly, riders and objects feel naturally part of the scene, not layered on top of it.

 

Why lighting matters

A proper lighting setup helps:

  • Match 3D elements with real-world shadows.
  • Create a natural, immersive look.
  • Avoid visual issues like floating avatars or unrealistic contrast.

 

Before you start

Lighting is required for every route.  
Without these basic settings, lighting will not behave correctly in your route.

  • Set at least one keyframe for the light direction to match the sun's position along your route. 
    For smoother results, place your first lighting keyframe slightly before the route start.

    This setting is about the angle of the light, so the angles of the shadows match as well.

     

  • Set light direction at the beginning of the route. Once set, it will auto-adjust during the route with the 3D world rotation. 
    Check at the end of your route to make sure it adjusted correctly.
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  • Set at least one keyframe for lighting parameters (angle, intensity, etc.).
    This prevents the added object from standing out too much and disrupting the route's natural feel. 
    Try to match the conditions shown in your video (direct sunlight, cloudy day, etc.)

 

 

Main tools and detailed workflow

Start with a real-world reference

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Use natural light parameters from the toolbox and choose a spot near the start of your route where shadows are clearly visible.


Try to match your lighting to the lighting in your real footage.

Reference points

Find a shadow that already exists in the video footage and imitate it using these reference points:

  • Light direction. 
    Match the direction of shadows in the video. 
  • Shadow strength.
    Match how strong or soft shadows appear
  • Light intensity. 
    Adjust intensity based on the scene's brightness. Your added elements should not stand out a lot.

Adjust lighting along the route

Lighting conditions often change during a ride. Update your settings when needed, for example, in these moments of the footage:

  • Avatars entering forests or tunnels,
  • Clouds change, overcast appears,
  • Sunrise or sunset starts.

Always define where each new lighting condition begins by adding a new keyframe.

Use hard shadows 

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The Hard Shadows tool helps create sharp, localized lighting changes.

Use Hard Shadows for detailed transitions, more specifically, for example:

  • Passing buildings or trees.
  • Sections with complex or changing shadows.
  • Quick transitions between light and shade.

Shadow strength

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Match the real footage with shadow strength. 
Weak shadows can make avatars look like they’re floating.

Light direction

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Set your light direction once at the start. 

Double-check the end of the route, as direction adjusts automatically with 3D world rotation.

Check your light direction accuracy during the route: it should always match the shadow direction in the video footage.

Color temperature

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Set the lighting temperature according to these basic metrics:

  • Around 6000K for midday.
  • Around 2700K for sunrise or sunset.

Intensity

Lower the light intensity for cloudy or low-light scenes.


Tips and tricks

  • You can calculate light direction directly in the tool using the recorded date and time. This works best if your camera settings were correct during recording.
  • Start with a few keyframes for major changes (time of day, weather), then refine details using Hard Shadows.
  • In complex areas like forests, set lighting for sunny sections first, then split the route into segments and adjust shadow strength and ambient light locally.
  • You can create and adjust keyframes directly in the 3D view by clicking and dragging.

 

Video Tutorial

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