> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dvs-studio.gitbook.io/dvs-studio-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dvs-studio.gitbook.io/dvs-studio-docs/documentation/earth-setup/clouds.md).

# Clouds

The cloud layer is controlled through `BP_Earth`. The exposed settings provide control over cloud visibility, position and motion, density, opacity, and shadow strength. Additional appearance controls are available through the assigned cloud material instance.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Animation:** The main cloud parameters exposed in `BP_Earth` can be animated in Level Sequencer. For precise and repeatable cloud motion, set `Clouds Speed` to `0` and animate `Clouds Offset`.
{% endhint %}

## Clouds Enabled

`Clouds Enabled` turns the cloud layer on or off, including the associated cloud shadows on the Earth surface.

## Clouds Offset

`Clouds Offset` shifts the cloud pattern around the globe along the longitude, allowing its position to be adjusted without changing the cloud shape or density.

Animate this parameter in Level Sequencer when precise cloud placement and timing are required.

## Clouds Speed

`Clouds Speed` automatically moves the cloud pattern around the globe at a constant rate.

Use this parameter for continuous cloud motion without keyframing. For shot-specific animation with full control over cloud position, use `Clouds Offset` instead.

## Clouds Density

`Clouds Density` controls how dense the cloud layer appears. Lower values produce thinner and more fragmented cloud formations, while higher values create denser and more extensive cloud masses.

{% @earth-atlas-80k-image-comparison/image-comparison leftImage="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcArBtzAurqdWxS4Aqg3o%2Fuploads%2FSHFnAxHiLLxOiq1L3XCo%2FClouds_Density_0_5.jpg?alt=media&token=f6e637bd-c9e1-48f2-a2bc-2dde21ce530f>" rightImage="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcArBtzAurqdWxS4Aqg3o%2Fuploads%2Ffmf4fuMsI44aubk111jX%2FClouds_Density_2.jpg?alt=media&token=137d558b-9741-420b-a346-249758bcd061>" leftLabel="Clouds Density 0.5" rightLabel="Clouds Density 2.0" %}

## Clouds Opacity

`Clouds Opacity` controls the overall transparency of the cloud layer.

A value of `0` makes the clouds fully transparent, while `1` uses the full opacity defined by the cloud material. Intermediate values can be used to create a softer or more subtle cloud layer.

## Clouds Shadow Strength

`Clouds Shadow Strength` controls the overall intensity of the shadows cast by clouds onto the Earth surface.

The final shadow appearance also depends on the scene lighting and the density and opacity of the clouds. The default value generally provides a balanced result, but this parameter can be used to weaken or strengthen the shadows when required.

## Clouds Material

`Clouds Material` specifies the material instance used by the cloud layer. The default `MI_Clouds` material instance provides additional controls for cloud tint, subtle procedural deformation, and night-side appearance.

For most workflows, the controls exposed directly in `BP_Earth` are sufficient. Edit the cloud material instance when more detailed visual adjustment is required.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://877379945-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcArBtzAurqdWxS4Aqg3o%2Fuploads%2F7TFVThyR2u9HZhwTaPmc%2FClouds_Material_02.png?alt=media&amp;token=eba8c815-b950-4ef7-8142-4c81db2f4e24" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Cloud Tint

`Cloud Tint` applies a color tint to the cloud layer without changing its density or opacity.

### Procedural Cloud Warp

The cloud material includes subtle procedural deformation that operates independently of `Clouds Speed`. This means that even when `Clouds Speed` is set to `0`, the cloud shapes can still show gentle local movement.

The effect is intentionally subtle at orbital distances and becomes more noticeable as the camera moves closer to the cloud layer.

Large Warp affects the broader shapes and movement of the main cloud masses.

Small Warp adds finer deformation, primarily visible around cloud edges and smaller features.

Each warp layer provides Frequency, Size, and Strength controls:

* **Frequency** controls the frequency of the deformation pattern.
* **Size** controls the scale of the warped features.
* **Strength** controls the amount of deformation applied to the clouds.

Increasing the warp settings makes the deformation more pronounced and can make the effect visible from greater viewing distances. The default values are intentionally restrained to preserve a natural appearance.

### Night-Side Adjustment

Clouds naturally become much darker on the night side of the Earth. The **Night Adjustment** controls provide additional artistic control over their appearance in low-light areas.

`Night Clouds Emissive Multiplier` controls the additional emissive contribution of the clouds on the night side, allowing their brightness to be adjusted independently for artistic purposes.

`Night Clouds Emissive Tint` controls the color of this night-side emissive contribution.

{% hint style="info" %}
These settings are intended as artistic controls and normally do not require adjustment for standard use.
{% endhint %}