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:

1. Open the Space Info Panel by selecting Space > Space Info...
2. Click the down arrow next to Ambient. The File Navigator will open Ambient sound files folder.
3. Select the sound file you wish to add.
4. Click OK

Sound Volume

Use 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 Skybox

A 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 (350 mb download).

You may also create your own skyboxes. For a tutorial on creating custom skyboxes see Creating Custom Skybox Sets.

Skybox Full Bright Checkbox

Check this box to maximize the Skybox's brightness.

Skybox Brightness slider

To adjust the brightness of the skybox:

1. Open the Space Info Panel by selecting Space > Space Info...
2. Drag the slider left to dim the Skybox or right to brighten the skybox. 

Adding or Changing Skyboxes

To add or change a skybox:

1. Open the Space Info Panel by selecting Space > Space Info...
2. Click the down arrow next to Skybox. The File Navigator will open the Skybox dropdown menu.
3. Select the skybox you wish to add.
4. Click OK

Adding or Changing a Floor

You 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 (350 mb download).

To add or replace a floor:

1. Open the Space Info Panel by selecting Space > Space Info...
2. Click the down arrow next to Floor. The File Navigator will open the Floor dropdown menu.
3. Select the floor texture file you wish to add.
4. Click OK.

Show Lighting Sources

When 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 Fog

The fog tools allow you add and customize the characteristics of the fog you add to your Space.

Fog checkbox

Check the box to turn fog on. Uncheck to turn it off.

Fog modes

Three Fog Modes are provided:

• GLLinear
• GLExp
• GLExp2

The modes are mathematical schemas for modeling fog in a 3D space. Experiment to find the effects you like best.

Fog start

Fog 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:

1. Open the Space Info Panel by selecting Space > Space Info...
2. Select the GLLinear fog mode.
3. Drag the Fog Start slider left to make the onset of fog appear CLOSER to your camera position.
4. Drag the Fog Start slider right to make the onset of fog appear FARTHER from your camera position.

Fog End

Fog 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:

1. Open the Space Info Panel by selecting Space > Space Info...
2. Next to Fog Mode click the down arrow. Select GLLinear.
3. Drag the Fog End slider left to make object-obscuring fog start CLOSER to your camera position.
4. Drag the Fog End slider right to make object-obscuring fog start FARTHER from your camera position.

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 Density

Fog Start ONLY works in combination with the GLExp and GLExp2 fog modes.

1. Open the Space Info Panel by selecting Space > Space Info...
2. Click the Fog check box to turn on the Fog feature.
3. Next to Fog Mode click the down arrow. Select GLExp or GLExp2.
4. Next to Fog Density enter a value of .002 in the value field. (Tip: Don't use the slider, it doesn't allow for fine control of the fog density level.)
5. Close the Space Info Panel by clicking the X button in the top left corner.

Fog Color

The Fog Color Picker allows you to select a color for the fog in your Space:

1. Open the Space Info Panel by selecting Space > Space Info...
2. Within the Fog Color Picker color box drag the small red square to your preferred fog color.