threejs-lighting

Three.js lighting for realistic scenes requires combining AmbientLight or HemisphereLight with DirectionalLight, tuning shadow maps, and enabling image-based lighting (IBL) using HDR environments and PMREM for accurate reflections.

To set up shadows in Three.js without artifacts, enable shadow rendering, tune shadow map resolution, and adjust camera frustum parameters. Proper shadow configuration balances resolution and light positioning to eliminate common edge artifacts.

Image-based lighting (IBL) in Three.js applies HDR environment maps processed via PMREM to scene materials. This technique simulates realistic ambient lighting and reflections without needing numerous direct light sources.

Using multiple light types in Three.js requires careful performance balancing. You can maintain rendering performance by limiting light counts, reducing shadow resolution where possible, and optimizing material settings for scalable scenes.

You need RectAreaLight in a Three.js scene when simulating rectangular light sources like windows or glowing panels. It provides realistic area lighting and soft shadows, complementing standard Ambient and Directional lights.

Environment lighting in Three.js looks flat when HDR maps lack proper PMREM processing or material roughness settings are incorrect. Adjusting PMREM generation and material metalness ensures accurate IBL reflections and depth.