> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/user-guide/2d-building/building/levels/shading.md).

# Shading

Shading can be added to Levels, with each Level capable of having multiple Shading devices. This is useful when shading repeats up the building, only requiring it to be drawn once. Note, shading can also be set as site shading under Envelope/Site and can be distributed via tagging.

## Add Shading

To add Shading, select Levels on the left and locate any Level. Next, click 'Add Shading'. Next, select the 'Add Horizontal Shading' icon and draw the Shading surface. Then click 'Save'.

<figure><img src="/files/YcPJvxeHidjwYQbG8Bc9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Specify Shading&#x20;

Select the previously drawn Shading element. In the left panel, locate and click the corresponding Shading name. Two tabs will display: 'Options' and 'Surface'.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/YfYjhykl2FWT09aYjiUu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the 'Options' tab, you can assign the applicable 'Base Height', the distance from ground level, and project the surface vertically via 'Extrusion'. You can also set a desired opacity level under 'Opacity' and enable or disable the inclusion of the Shading in the Reference Building model under 'Device'.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/2WQpBUPeJKiFMaj6o4d5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the 'Surface' tab, select 'Customise Surface' to define the surface geometry. You can select the 'Surface Type' as either 'Single Pitch', 'Double Pitch' or 'Hip Surface'. For Slope Method, choose either 'Standard Slope' or 'Surface Height'. Enter the required 'Pitch' values. If 'Double Pitch' is selected, multiple pitch values can be entered. Specify the 'Ridge Offset' where applicable.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/j3BC2ljDQhTQ98fEdNU6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The defined surface parameters control the geometric representation of the Shading, allowing for accurate modelling of adjacent building elements, including building features and other buildings.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## 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, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.betterbuilding.io/user-guide/2d-building/building/levels/shading.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

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.