Display shadows on a model

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Shadows are the darkened areas that appear on a surface when an object is situated within the path of a light source. Shadows are cast onto the area of a surface that receives no direct light.

Shadows aid in defining the three-dimensional appearance of a model, help you evaluate the form of your model, can add drama to your scene, and improve the realism of your model’s appearance.

You need to specify which lights, if any, cast shadows in your scene, since shadows are not turned on by default.

NotePoint lights do not cast shadows.

To turn on shadows, first turn on the Cast Shadows property for a light by doing the following:
- Select the light in the Object List then edit its properties in the Properties window.
- Right-click the light in the Object List and select Properties.
- In the Properties window, open the Shadows category, and turn on the Cast Shadows property by ensuring a check mark appears beside the item.
Turn on the Receive Shadows property by ensuring a check mark appears beside the item in the material property. (This property is turned on by default for all materials.)

NoteAnother visual effect that enhances the effect of shading in the cracks and crevices of a model is to turn on the Ambient Occlusion filter located in the Viewport Filters window. For more information, see Apply visual effects.