Just want to clarify this lighting / multiple layers question

Support Lighting and Rendering
1

Ok say I have the following and I’m refering to the 20 layers you can put things on, not render layers:

  1. objects 1 ( a building) is on layer 1 … also 2 lights and sun is also on layer 1

  2. object 2 (a character) is on layer 2 (nothing else lighting wise is on this layer)

  3. object 3 (a chair) is on layer 3 ( nothing else lighting wise is on this layer)

Assuming that I have all 3 of those layers highlighted ( the layer boxes next to the transform icons)
Is the sun and the 2 lights from layer 1 also giving light to the objects on layer 2 and 3?

Or do I have to tell each light and the sun to effect those other layers manually?

2

The lights will affect the layers that are activated unless you select the “this layer only” option for the light, but I think that only works with BI at this time.

3

Thanks Rich… I also have some HDRI lighting, and I knew that was affecting all layers, but I just wanted to double check on the lights.

4

yes, you only need to share the light between layers when your previewing renders of seperate layers, seperatly. as in, your in preview render mode and need to look at a layer, then you would need the light in that layer (M> shift select layer to share objects in layers. in case you didn’t know already)

5

Thanks for the clarification Rich and Smalltroll … I’m going to mark this one solved