SynthMock
Several controls can move a highlight, but they do not move the same thing. Work through the light environment and key light separately so each adjustment has a clear purpose.
Try it in SynthMock
Start with a Duo scene.
Use a reusable template as your starting point, then apply the choices in this article.
A paid plan is required to use templates and export.
Know which source you are moving
Light Rotation rotates the reflected lighting environment around the device. Key Light Rotation changes the direction of the separate key light, and Key Light Height changes its elevation. In suitable scenes, Light Tilt adjusts the lighting environment’s tilt.
Camera rotation changes the viewpoint instead. That also moves reflections, but it may change how readable the app is. Preserve a strong screen composition and try the lighting controls first when your only problem is a missing metallic highlight.
| Control | Use it to inspect |
|---|---|
| Light Rotation | Where environment reflections land |
| Key Light Rotation | The direction of the key light |
| Key Light Height | The key light’s elevation |
| Light Tilt | The tilt of the lighting environment |
Tune one source at a time
Choose a stable pose and note its current values so you can return to it. A comparison is more useful when the artwork, finish and camera stay constant.
- Pause the scene and keep the screen Reflection value fixed while evaluating light direction.
- Adjust Light Rotation slowly until the frame shows a useful highlight.
- Inspect Key Light separately: set its intensity, then rotate it and change its height.
- If the scene offers Light Tilt, use small changes to refine the reflected source shape.
- Compare the final result with the original camera composition before deciding to rotate the phone.
Check the scene mode and timeline state
Preset environments can expose different lighting controls from a plain color or gradient scene. If a named control is absent, first check the current Background or Scene selection; do not assume it should appear in every environment.
If the light seems to jump during playback, inspect the active shot and effect endpoints. A lighting change made while End is selected may be part of that effect. For a consistent studio setup, verify that the relevant lighting state remains the same at adjacent boundaries.
Final pass
Before you call it finished
- Environment and key-light changes were evaluated separately.
- The final camera still favors the interface.
- Lighting is consistent at the intended timeline endpoints.
Make the next version yours.
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