# Subsurface Scattering

**Subsurface Scattering** (SSS) allows objects to give the appearance that light is penetrating through a translucent surface. This technique comes in handy when creating surfaces like skin, wax, plastic, or other objects that light may shine through the surface.

## ENABLING

In the SSS material settings check the enable switch and use the Intensity, Scatter and Absorption values to adjust the look. In the viewer options there is a Lighting Preset called SSS that allows the effects to become more visible. 

<figure><img src="https://www.videocopilot.net/assets/public/ckfinder/userfiles/images/importing_3d_objects/SSS%20Settings%20(Thumb).jpg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## ADJUSTING IN AFTER EFFECTS

<figure><img src="https://www.videocopilot.net/assets/public/ckfinder/userfiles/images/importing_3d_objects/SSS%20Light%20(Thumb).jpg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Hit **OK** in the Scene Setup and in After Effects create a light and click **Cast Shadows** in the light settings panel. **Parallel** light type typically works well. See Creating Lights for more info on Lights.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Tip:** It helps to position the light so it is pointing towards the back or side of the object to see SSS.
{% endhint %}

## SHADOWS AND SSS

Enable Shadows in the Element effect panel under Render Settings, as SSS works in conjunction with Shadow settings. Be sure Subsurface Scattering in the Element Render Settings is enabled as well.

<figure><img src="https://www.videocopilot.net/assets/public/ckfinder/userfiles/images/importing_3d_objects/SSS%20Render%20Settings%20(Thumb).jpg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Adjusting the look:** In the **Subsurface Scattering** settings you can turn up the Samples to increase the quality, as well as adjust the **Intensity**, **Scattering**, **Absorption**, **Falloff** and **Light Color Tint** to change the look. You can also increase the **Shadow Maps** **Size** and **Parallel Light Shadow Size** to create a smoother falloff for the **SSS**.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://video-copilot.gitbook.io/element2/texturing-and-materials/subsurface-scattering.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.