> 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/shared-settings/visuals.md).

# Visuals

## Fadeout

Defines the distance (in meters) at which the occlusion effect fades out. Setting this value to **0** disables fadeout completely, letting AO be visible at any distance.

*Performance impact: none*

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Fadeout 10" %}

<figure><img src="/files/3PjWuW3rsJnv0NCWaBJM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Fadeout 50" %}

<figure><img src="/files/Bcy9LCGbkaP74XQQJ7Bm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Fadeout 200" %}

<figure><img src="/files/QfyMaduajzEa7nG95jPC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Intensity

Guides the final intensity of the ambient occlusion, higher values result in darker occlusion output.

* For HDRP this corresponds to the [Intensity](https://docs.unity3d.com/Packages/com.unity.render-pipelines.high-definition@17.0/manual/reference-ambient-occlusion.html#:~:text=properties%20section%20below.-,Intensity,-Use%20the%20slider) of the SSAO override.
* For URP this corresponds to the [Intensity](https://docs.unity3d.com/6000.0/Documentation/Manual/urp/ssao-renderer-feature-reference.html#:~:text=impact%3A%20Insignificant.-,Intensity,-This%20property%20defines) of the SSAO renderer feature.

*Performance impact: none*

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Intensity 1 \[GTAO]" %}

<figure><img src="/files/elEi1qvhxNT6lztIYWxT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Intensity 3 \[GTAO]" %}

<figure><img src="/files/hl5yPgQPGZPM35mB8sfn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Direct Lighting Occlusion

Defines how visible the effect is in areas exposed to direct lighting. It's recommended to use **0** for maximum physical accuracy.&#x20;

* For HDRP this corresponds to the [Direct Lighting Strength](https://docs.unity3d.com/Packages/com.unity.render-pipelines.high-definition@17.0/manual/reference-ambient-occlusion.html#:~:text=for%20ambient%20occlusion.-,Direct%20Lighting%20Strength,-Use%20this%20slider) of the SSAO override.
* For URP this corresponds to the[ ](https://docs.unity3d.com/6000.0/Documentation/Manual/urp/ssao-renderer-feature-reference.html#:~:text=on%20the%20application.-,Direct%20Lighting%20Strength,-This%20property%20defines)[Direct Lighting Strength](https://docs.unity3d.com/6000.0/Documentation/Manual/urp/ssao-renderer-feature-reference.html#:~:text=on%20the%20application.-,Direct%20Lighting%20Strength,-This%20property%20defines) of the SSAO renderer feature.

*Performance impact: none*

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

<figure><img src="/files/SwOxaBRLnkTKAaG37tmN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

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

<figure><img src="/files/bDHfny8KAsPcj1hojMmW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Exclude Receiving <mark style="color:$info;">\[Unity 6000+]</mark>

Excludes objects from **receiving** AO on a per-layer basis via the **Rendering Layer Mask**. When at least one layer is selected, an additional **Intensity** slider appears. This slider lets you reduce the AO intensity on the excluded object rather than disabling occlusion entirely. This option is useful for tuning down the effect on meshes that cast overly dark occlusion, such as foliage.

{% hint style="danger" %}
In **URP** this feature is available only in **Deferred** and **Deferrred+** rendering paths.
{% endhint %}

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Exclude Receiving Intensity 1.0" %}

<figure><img src="/files/E7AJM3colqDPzBH4wm2O" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Exclude Receiving Intensity 0.5" %}

<figure><img src="/files/9v2Aa98I3vDpjlpOX6XH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Exclude Receiving Intensity 0" %}

<figure><img src="/files/Oxluz55p4tSOITtE3mZz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

*Performance impact: small*


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