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title: "What Light, When?"
canonical: "https://rmanwiki-27.pixar.com/space/RU/399245378/What%20Light%2C%20When%3F"
format: markdown
---
RenderMan ships with a full set of analytic and photorealistic lights.
This quick guide below aims to help you determine which light to use for what lighting purpose.
| **RenderMan Light** | **Uses** |
| --- | --- |
| 
**PxrDomeLight** | In much visual effects and animation work, scenes are lit primarily using a High Dynamic Range Image (HDRI) or a hand-painted sky ramp texture.
They can also be used to add a rim light to a character, as they provide a nice, even rim-lighting effect. |
| 
**PxrRectLight** | A large rectangular light that mimics a photographic light panel or softbox.
One of the most commonly used lights in rendering.
For realistic reflections and light quality, apply a texture to the light.
A general light used in lighting for many looks and can also be used for adding interior fill light from a ceiling or wall.
This is also used to add bounce lighting from walls or bounce board geometry. |
| 
**PxrDiscLight** | Same as a PxrRectLight, just in a disc shape |
| 
**PxrDistantLight** | Mainly use this for mimicking sunlight, moonlight, or a very distant light source |
| 
**PxrSphereLight** | Often used to replicate practical light sources that emit light 360 degrees, such as candles, headlights, and lightbulbs. |
| 
**PxrCylinderLight** | Great for interior tube lighting, neons, and light sabers! |
| 
**PxrPortalLight** | Windows! |
| 
**PxrEnvDaylight** | Daylight simulations are helpful when you want a quick, easy setup for exterior lighting or maybe some look development time, but you don't have an HDRI for the PxrDomeLight. The simplicity and realism make this light a favorite for artists. |