Time of Day tab

Just as you can simulate time of day/outdoor lighting when setting up your renderings in the Render Wizard, you can achieve the same effect in the Shaded view in real time for all events that take place outside. Just like when you are setting up a rendering, in order to achieve the correct outdoor lighting conditions in the Shaded view, you must define the geographical location for your event and set the direction North. For details, see To draw a compass.

Time of Day Lighting 

• Enable Time of Day Lighting: Select this checkbox to consider outdoor lighting conditions in the Shaded view, and then specify the lighting conditions below. The Shaded view adjusts accordingly, in real time.
• Date: The date determines the position of the sun and/or moon and the resulting amount of light available. Type the date when the event will take place.
• Time: The time determines the position of the sun and/or moon and the resulting amount of light available. Type the time when the event will take place.
• End: Select this checkbox if you want to specify an end time for the event, and then type the date and time in the boxes provided.
• Timeline: By defining Start and End Dates/Times, you can check lighting conditions between those times. Use the Timeline slider to adjust the current Shaded view time.
• Sky Conditions: The amount of light available determines the brightness of the resulting image in the Shaded view. Use the Sky Conditions slider to adjust the quality of light (cloudy or clear).
• Enable soft shadow: Select this checkbox, and then use the slider to set the softness of shadows that are created by sunlight. The softer the setting, the less sharp the resulting shadow.
• Regional Settings: Click to set the geographic location of your show. You can either select the country and city or enter the latitude and longitude of the location. These settings are used in Shaded views and renderings that use environmental options.