Direct Light Cast

intermediate tasks

Volumetric Lights 2 (URP) · Common Tasks

Direct Light Cast

Direct Light Cast projects volumetric illumination onto opaque surfaces, making the light behave like a real light source affecting scene geometry.

Direct Light Cast example

Requirements

RequirementDetails
Rendering pathDeferred (enable in the URP Renderer asset). Additive mode also works with Forward.
Surface typeOnly opaque objects are affected.

Enabling Direct Light Cast

In the Volumetric Light inspector, expand the Direct Light section and enable Cast Direct Light.

Direct Light Cast inspector

Settings

ParameterDescriptionDefault
Cast Direct LightEnables direct light projection onto surfaces.Off
Direct Light MultiplierIntensity multiplier for the projected light.1
Smooth SamplesNumber of smoothing samples (1–32) for softer projection edges.1
Blend ModeAdditive (fast, works with Forward) or Blend (requires Deferred, slightly slower).Additive
Tip: Direct Light Cast can be combined with translucent shadow maps for colored light projection through stained glass or other transparent objects.
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