> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help3.depence.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help3.depence.com/depence-construction/arealights.md). # Arealights An Arealight emits light from a rectangular plane object with variable sizes. They can be used to simulate any big light sources in a rectangular shape like video walls, screens or even windows in indoor scenes. Additionally to a diffuse term, the Arealight also calculates a very realistic specular reflection. These reflections are f.e. very important for Video-Screens.

### Create an Arealight 1. Place a Plane Object in your scene via Menu > Create > 3D-Objects > Plane 2. Create an Arealight Menu > Create > Lights > Arealight 3. In the 3D-Hierachy, Drop the Arealight below the Plane object \ ![](https://4198123652-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MhIYO0xEuDDA2b69m5L%2Fuploads%2FjeZwEFFWP7OS9vcrJTpb%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=1915d3ae-474e-4837-93fa-ef74de9bba71) {% hint style="warning" %} Arealights only work on **Plane-Objects created by Depence**. They cannot be used on imported 3D-Models. {% endhint %} ### Texturing The Arealight uses the material applied to the Plane-Object for its lighting calculation. This opens many possibilities.

### Masking While the Arealight only works on rectangular plane objects, it is possible to use alpha masking to create other shapes.

Different shapes using alpha masked textures

### Limitations {% hint style="warning" %} Arealights are very GPU heavy! Even if they are black (f.e. due to inactive video source)! Make sure to keep them on separate layers and disable in performance critical scenarios. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Arealights actually don't cast shadows {% endhint %}