# Sun + Shadows

Use the **Sun + Shadows** tool to study the effects of the sun's path on your projects.

The first step for accurate shadow studies is to [**set your project location**](https://windows.help.formit.autodesk.com/tool-library/setting-location).

Once you've set your location and optionally imported a satellite image, model your project including building context, and shading elements like louvers and trees.

## The Sun + Shadows Menu

Turn shadows on in the Sun + Shadows menu at the top of the application (you can also enable shadows, as well as adjust shadow intensity, in [**Visual Styles**](https://windows.help.formit.autodesk.com/formit-introduction/tool-bars)):

![](https://193854745-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVWdttpiARClwDWoDArlA%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1e64301cf4a29171906d48894a0d8b6f4aaae946%2Fsun-%2B-shadows.png?alt=media)

From here, you can adjust the time of day and day of the year. The default year is shown as 2000 - don't worry, this doesn't affect the accuracy of the sun shading study.

## The Sun Editor

You can also toggle the Sun Editor from the Sun + Shadows menu (or use shortcut DR), which provides a graphical display of the sun's location in space:

![](https://193854745-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVWdttpiARClwDWoDArlA%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ee039cbd1cbbddf2e66239aa459ef96e18a92c74%2Fsun-editor.PNG?alt=media)

* The Sun Editor will move with the camera, so you may have to adjust your zoom level and/or camera orientation to get the widget in a position that makes sense relative to the design you're studying.
* Grab the circular grip to move the sun along its path and effectively adjust the time of day.
* Adjust the time of year from the Sun + Shadows menu. Doing so will adjust the angle and orientation of the graphical sun path based on the time of year.