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# gobo

An image or other visual content affecting the shape and color of a light’s illuminated area.

```
var gobo: SCNMaterialProperty? { get }
```

## Discussion

In photographic and stage lighting terminology, a gobo (also known as a *flag* or *cookie*) is a stencil, gel, or other object placed just in front of a light source, shaping or coloring the beam of light.

You alter the appearance of a spotlight by changing the [`contents`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNMaterialProperty/contents) property of the object permanently assigned to this property. As with other material properties, you can use a color or image, or a Core Animation layer containing animated content, as a lighting gobo.

This property applies only to lights whose [`type`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight/type) property is [`spot`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight/LightType/spot).

---

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