Projection Parameters

A projected map can be a still image or an animation.

Reference

These are the parameters that control projection:

Bitmap Fit: Sets the aspect ratio to a match particular bitmap when you are using the light as a projector light.

Projector: Turn on to project the map selected by the Map button. Turn off to turn off projection.

Map: This button names the map used for the projection. You can drag from any map specified in the Material Editor, or any other map button (as in the Environment dialog), and drop that map on the light’s Map button.Clicking Map displays the Material/Map browser. You can choose the map type using the Browser, then drag the button to the Material Editor and use the Material Editor to select the map.

How To

To make a light a projector

1. Display the Material Editor

The Material Editor is where you adjust the map’s parameters.

2. Use an unused sample slot to display a map.
3. Drag the map from the Material Editor to the light’s Map button. A dialog asks if the projection map should be a copy or an instance. Choose which you prefer.

You can also drag from any other used map button, as in the Environment dialog.

Assigning the map displays the map name in the button, and turns on the Projector toggle. After you have set up the map, you can turn off Projector to test rendering the scene without the projected image.

An alternative is to click the Map button. This displays the Material/Map browser, which lets you choose the map type. At this point, the light behaves as a projector, but to assign a map or adjust its parameters, you need to use the Material Editordrag the map to

Note: Lights project maps only within their cone, even if Overshoot is turned on.

To put the map in the Material Editor

• Drag from the light’s Map button to an unused sample slot in the Material Editor.

Note: Sample slots with white triangles in the corners indicate materials that are used in the current scene.

The map is now in the Material Editor, where you can adjust it by changing its parameters.

To blur a projection map

• Increase the value of Blur Offset in the map's Coordinates rollout.

Tip: You can animate Blur Offset to have a projected map go in or out of focus.

To make the shape of the light fit the projected bitmap

1. Choose a bitmap to project, as described in the preceding topics.
2. Make sure the light's shape is set to Rectangular, and then click Bitmap Fit.

A file selection dialog appears.

3. Choose the same bitmap you chose for the standalone map, and then click OK.

3DS MAX also allows you to choose a bitmap other than the one the light projects.