Overcast Sky HDRI

About this asset

Layered grey clouds surround a brighter opening in the sky; the supplied panorama has a black lower half below the horizon.

Lighting and scene uses

Choose this sky for exterior studies where an existing 3D environment supplies the landscape. Its cloud coverage is useful for comparing broad illumination with a more directional sky.

Inspect light and shadow on a simple matte object before adding artificial fill. Preserve the sky orientation so the horizon stays level with the scene.

Using this sky in a scene

The supplied preview shows sky above the horizon and black below it. Keep the complete 2:1 image when evaluating the map. Inspect the downloaded HDR file before relying on lower-hemisphere illumination; use your scene’s terrain or ground geometry for visible foreground surfaces and local bounce light.

Resolution and map details

The creator lists this unclipped HDR environment in 12K, 8K, 4K and 2K, with 32-bit HDR specified on the product listing. The JPEG-derived image above is a web preview; use the purchased HDR environment file for lighting.

Start with a resolution suited to the visible background and reflections, then increase it if the final framing reveals a benefit. Preview brightness alone cannot establish the file’s dynamic range or the exposure needed for your scene.

Compare lighting in your workflow

Learn how to choose an outdoor HDRI by sun direction and reflected surroundings. The Blender HDRI lighting workflow provides a practical starting point for loading and rotating an environment.

Use Rooftop Cityscape Overcast HDRI to compare an overcast sky with a complete rooftop environment that also contributes ground and building reflections. Keep the camera and material fixed for a useful comparison.

Browse the HDRI lighting collection to compare other environments using the lighting and scene filters.

Creation approach

AI-Assisted, Human-Refined. The creator describes AI generation followed by manual refinement. Review fine details before using the environment as a prominent visible backdrop; lighting and reflections are its primary practical use.

More lighting comparisons

For another lighting study, use Fluffy Clouds Bright Sun HDRI to compare direct sun and isolated clouds with a broadly diffused overcast sky.