---
title: "Environment Object"
url: "https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/OENVIRONMENT.html"
section_path: "Create Menu > Environment > Environment Object"
element_id: "OENVIRONMENT"
command_id: "5106"
description: "This page documents the Environment object in Cinema 4D. It sets global scene parameters such as ambient light and fog — with only the top-most …"
---

# Environment Object

> **Note:** **What is it about?**
>
> This page documents the **Environment object** in **Cinema 4D**. It sets global scene parameters such as ambient light and fog — with only the top-most Environment rendered — useful for base illumination and atmospheric depth in classic renders.

Use the Environment object to define several global scene parameters such as the scene's environment light (also known as **ambient lighting**).

By default, only the top-most Environment object in the hierarchy will be rendered. If you want to change the environment during an animation, use the Stage object with a parameter track.

> **Tip:** You can use the Environment object with volumetric shaders. Plug-ins or the optional PyroCluster can be used in this way to create effects such as smoke and fog. Simply apply the shader to the Environment object as a texture.