Legacy Documentation: Version 5.2
Prefabs
Cameras

Lights

Lights are an essential part of every scene. While meshes and textures define the shape and look of a scene, lights define the color and mood of your 3D environment. You’ll likely work with more than one light in each scene. Making them work together requires a little practice but the results can be quite amazing.

A simple, two-light setup
A simple, two-light setup

Lights can be added to your scene from the GameObject->Light menu. You will choose the light format that you want from the sub-menu that appears. Once a light has been added, you can manipulate it like any other GameObject. Additionally, you can add a Light Component to any selected GameObject by using Component->Rendering->Light.

There are many different options within the Light Component in the Inspector.

Light Component properties in the Inspector
Light Component properties in the Inspector

By simply changing the Color of a light, you can give a whole different mood to the scene.

Bright, sunny lights
Bright, sunny lights
Dark, medieval lights
Dark, medieval lights
Spooky night lights
Spooky night lights

Rendering paths

Unity supports different Rendering Paths. These paths affect mainly Lights and Shadows, so choosing the correct rendering path depending on your game requirements can improve your project’s performance. For more info about rendering paths you can visit the Rendering paths section.

More information

For more information on how lights work see the Lighting Overview page. For more information about using the Light Component, check the Lighting Reference.

Prefabs
Cameras