> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ipgames.gitbook.io/htrace-ao/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ipgames.gitbook.io/htrace-ao/settings-and-properties/rtao-settings/rtao-visuals.md).

# RTAO Visuals

This page describes parameters under the "Visuals" foldout that are specific to RTAO mode.

## Max Ray Bias

Controls the maximum ray bias (offset) from a surface, used to avoid self-intersection with geometry. Keep this value as low as possible to allow RTAO to capture the finest details.

*Performance impact: none*

## World Space Radius

Defines the maximum distance **in meters** for tracing.

* For HDRP this corresponds to the [Max Ray Length](https://docs.unity3d.com/Packages/com.unity.render-pipelines.high-definition@17.0/manual/reference-ambient-occlusion.html#:~:text=%2D-,Max%20Ray%20Length,-Controls%20the%20maximal) of the SSAO override.

*Performance impact: moderate* 

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="World Space Radius 0.5" %}

<figure><img src="https://243555089-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLiPpxgft87FiOXU8wYFQ%2Fuploads%2FQ220L7CGzschuXMavOw6%2FImage%20Sequence_084_0000.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=d3db58ad-f8e2-4179-8b3f-11163a112887" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="World Space Radius 2" %}

<figure><img src="https://243555089-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLiPpxgft87FiOXU8wYFQ%2Fuploads%2FBWkbh5wJPHPqJwRe3PWg%2FImage%20Sequence_085_0000.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=51e61441-3d76-4c91-a8c8-f90e5b0bfc02" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Specular Occlusion <mark style="color:$info;">\[HDRP]</mark>

Defines the level of occlusion applied to the specular lighting component.&#x20;

*Performance impact: none*

{% hint style="warning" %}
HDRP automatically applies specular occlusion for GTAO and SSAO as well, however the control slider for this feature is exposed only when RTAO mode is enabled and the [Tracing Mode](https://ipgames.gitbook.io/htrace-ao/settings-and-properties/rtao-settings/pages/arNur0glRG2vJnfd6CcO#alpha-cutout-hdrp-unity-2023.2) is set to **Native Ray Tracing**. URP automatically applies specular occlusion for all three AO modes, but the control slider is not available for it.
{% endhint %}

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Specular Occlusion 0 \[RTAO]" %}

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/LiPpxgft87FiOXU8wYFQ/blobs/hUD22e1XCIMJWT2lqMB0/Image%20Sequence_102_0000.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Specular Occlusion 1 \[RTAO]" %}

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/LiPpxgft87FiOXU8wYFQ/blobs/XdnAuObp5qHmPHy9Q0OB/Image%20Sequence_103_0000.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}