Altitude and Azimuth in Photoshop 3D Layer Effects

In Adobe Photoshop, lighting in 3D layer effects—such as Bevel and Emboss—relies on two core spatial controls: Azimuth and Altitude. Together, these spherical coordinate settings determine the precise position of a virtual light source relative to the layer's surface. Understanding how to adjust Azimuth and Altitude allows designers to manipulate highlights, shadow depth, and surface textures to create realistic depth or dramatic stylized effects on flat design elements.

Azimuth controls the horizontal angle of the light source, measured on a 360-degree compass circle around the object. When you adjust the Azimuth, you define the compass direction from which the light travels across the canvas. For instance, an Azimuth of 90 degrees positions the light directly to the right, casting shadows to the left, while an Azimuth of 0 degrees typically positions it directly above or to the right depending on the specific effect's reference plane. Rotating the Azimuth directly shifts where the primary highlight hits the edges of a shape and dictates the direction in which cast shadows and bevel shading fall.

Altitude controls the vertical angle or elevation of the light source relative to the object's surface plane, measured from 0 to 90 degrees. An Altitude of 0 degrees places the light source parallel to the canvas surface (on the horizon). This low-angle illumination creates elongated, high-contrast shadows and emphasizes surface relief, making edges appear sharper and more pronounced. Conversely, an Altitude of 90 degrees places the light source directly overhead. High-overhead lighting creates minimal, evenly distributed shadows and centralizes highlights, producing a flatter, softer appearance across the 3D geometry.

By balancing both settings, you control the realism and mood of the 3D effect. The standard default in Photoshop—often set around an Azimuth of 120 degrees and an Altitude of 30 degrees—mimics natural overhead sunlight originating from the upper-left, which humans naturally interpret as convex shapes. Deviating from these settings modifies the light source to produce custom environmental reflections, dramatic rim-lighting, or inverted appearances where raised elements look recessed.