The Spotlight Distribution node can be used with an Octane Area Light or as part of an emission material on a polygon to create a realistic spotlight behavior, without the need of an IES texture (figure 1).


Spotlight Distribution


Figure 1: The cube object on the is a normal emissive object with the spotlight distribution node attached

 

Spotlight Distribution Parameters

 

Orientation- Determines how the cone will be oriented; the choice will use the coordinates in the Direction or Target edit fields.

    • Surface Normal
    • Direction - world space
    • Direction - object space
    • Target point - world space
    • Target point - object space

Direction or Target - The direction of the light or the target object.

Cone Angle - The angle of the actual cone. Smaller values produce a tighter cone.

Hardness - Sets the hardness of the penumbra (cone) boundaries. Lower values produce a softer look.

Normalize Power - Keeps the emitter angle constant when the angle changes.