# Py5Shape.ambient()

Sets a `Py5Shape` object's ambient reflectance.

## Examples

<div class="example-table">

<div class="example-row"><div class="example-cell-image">

![example picture for ambient()](/images/reference/Py5Shape_ambient_0.png)

</div><div class="example-cell-code">

```python
def create_strip(use_ambient):
    s = py5.create_shape()
    s.begin_shape(py5.TRIANGLE_STRIP)
    if use_ambient:
        s.ambient(255, 0, 0)
    s.vertex(10, 40, -25)
    s.vertex(20, 0, -10)
    s.vertex(30, 40, 0)
    s.vertex(40, 0, 5)
    s.vertex(50, 40, 0)
    s.vertex(60, 0, -10)
    s.vertex(70, 40, -25)
    s.end_shape()
    return s


def setup():
    py5.size(100, 100, py5.P3D)
    py5.background(0)
    py5.directional_light(153, 153, 153, .5, 0, -1)
    py5.ambient_light(50, 50, 50)
    py5.shape(create_strip(False), 0, 5)
    py5.shape(create_strip(True), 0, 50)
```

</div></div>

</div>

## Description

Sets a `Py5Shape` object's ambient reflectance. This is combined with the ambient light component of the environment. The color components set through the parameters define the reflectance. For example in the default color mode, setting `ambient(255, 127, 0)`, would cause all the red light to reflect and half of the green light to reflect. Use in combination with [](py5shape_emissive), [](py5shape_specular), and [](py5shape_shininess) to set the material properties of a `Py5Shape` object.

This method can only be used within a [](py5shape_begin_shape) and [](py5shape_end_shape) pair. The ambient color setting will be applied to vertices added after the call to this method.

This method has additional color functionality that is not reflected in the method's signatures. For example, you can pass the name of a color (e.g. "green", "mediumpurple", etc). Look at the online ["All About Colors"](/integrations/colors) Python Ecosystem Integration tutorial for more information.

Underlying Processing method: PShape.ambient

## Signatures

```python
ambient(
    gray: float,  # number specifying value between white and black
    /,
) -> None

ambient(
    rgb: int,  # any value of the color datatype
    /,
) -> None

ambient(
    x: float,  # red or hue value (depending on current color mode)
    y: float,  # green or saturation value (depending on current color mode)
    z: float,  # blue or brightness value (depending on current color mode)
    /,
) -> None
```

Updated on December 25, 2023 16:36:33pm UTC