Open Cobalt's Space-editing tools allow you to modify the basic characteristics of your space. In the current (alpha) Cobalt version you may add ambient sounds, add/modify ground and sky textures, and add/modify fog. Note on Physics: The Alpha version of Cobalt does not include a physics engine. Although the Space Info panel displays tools for adjusting the physics parameters of the space, these tools are not currently operable. Physics will be implemented as part of the Beta release. Adding Ambient Sound (note: not yet operable)You can add background sound to your Cobalt space:
Sound VolumeUse the Sound Volume slider to adjust the volume of your ambient sound. Drag the slider left to decrease the volume or right toincrease the volume. Adding, Changing, or Adjusting a SkyboxA skybox is a texture (a 2D image) that you can add to the four "walls" and the "ceiling" of your Cobalt space to create a graphical representation of a sky. The Cobalt download includes just a single skybox. To gain access to more Skyboxes download the full Cobalt content pack You may also create your own skyboxes. For a tutorial on creating custom skyboxes see Creating Custom Skybox Sets. Skybox Full Bright CheckboxCheck this box to maximize the Skybox's brightness. Skybox Brightness sliderTo adjust the brightness of the skybox:
Adding or Changing SkyboxesTo add or change a skybox:
Adding or Changing a FloorYou can apply a texture (a 2D image) to the floor of your Space to create a graphical representation of ground. The Cobalt download includes just a single floor texture. To gain access to more floor textures download the full Cobalt content pack To add or replace a floor:
Show Lighting SourcesWhen you click the Show Lighting Sources checkbox a set of 3D lamps appear in the space identifying the source and direction of the ambient lighting. Although the feature is of limiting use by itself, future versions of Cobalt will include additional tools that allow you to manipulate the ambient light. Adjusting FogThe fog tools allow you add and customize the characteristics of the fog you add to your Space. Fog checkboxCheck the box to turn fog on. Uncheck to turn it off. Fog modesThree Fog Modes are provided:
The modes are mathematical schemas for modeling fog in a 3D space. Experiment to find the effects you like best. Fog startFog Start ONLY works in combination with the GLLinear fog mode. The Fog Start slider allows you to set the distance at which a user perceives (from their camera view) the onset of fog. For example, setting Fog Start at 100 will result in the perception that the onset of fog begins 100 units from the user's camera view. It will gradually thicken as the distance from the user's camera view increases until at another preset distance, Fog End, the fog will be too thick to see anything beyond. To set Fog Start:
Fog EndFog Start ONLY works in combination with the GLLinear fog mode. The Fog End slider allows you to set the distance at which a user perceives (from their camera view) the fog is so thick that nothing in the scene from that point and beyond can be seen. For example, setting the slider at 300 means that starting at 300 units from your camera view objects will be completely obscured by fog. To set Fog End:
IMPORTANT: Fog Start and Fog End work in combination. To avoid undesirable results be sure that your Fog Start value is SMALLERthan your Fog End value. Fog DensityFog Start ONLY works in combination with the GLExp and GLExp2 fog modes.
Fog ColorThe Fog Color Picker allows you to select a color for the fog in your Space:
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