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# SCNLight.LightType

Constants specifying the general behavior of a light, used by the [`type`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight/type) property.

```
struct LightType
```

## Overview

Each of the four scenes in the figure below has the same content illuminated by a single [`SCNLight`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight) object. The node containing the light source has the same position and orientation in each scene—all differences between the four pictures are due to the light’s [`type`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight/type) property.

![](images/com.apple.scenekit/media-2929780@2x.png)

![](images/com.apple.scenekit/media-2929783@2x.png)

## Topics

### Type Properties

[`IES`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight/LightType/IES)

A light source whose shape, direction, and intensity of illumination is determined by a photometric profile.

[`ambient`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight/LightType/ambient)

A light that illuminates all objects in the scene from all directions.

[`directional`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight/LightType/directional)

A light source with a uniform direction and constant intensity.

[`omni`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight/LightType/omni)

An omnidirectional light, also known as a *point light*.

[`probe`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight/LightType/probe)

A sample of the environment around a point in a scene to be used in environment-based lighting.

[`spot`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight/LightType/spot)

A light source that illuminates a cone-shaped area.

[`area`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLight/LightType/area)


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