How to Change Light Colors in Space Engineers

This guide teaches you how to change light colors in Space Engineers using built-in settings, RGB sliders, and programmable blocks. Whether you’re decorating a base or signaling status, you’ll master lighting customization in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Color Picker: Most light blocks have a simple color picker in their control panel for quick changes.
• Adjust RGB Values: Fine-tune colors using Red, Green, and Blue sliders for precise customization.
• Leverage Programmable Blocks: Automate color changes with scripts for dynamic lighting effects.
• Sync Lights with Timers: Use timer blocks to cycle colors or flash lights on a schedule.
• Combine with Sensors: Trigger color shifts based on player proximity, damage, or other events.
• Optimize Performance: Too many dynamic lights can lag your game—use them wisely.
• Explore Mods for Advanced Options: Community mods expand lighting features beyond vanilla gameplay.

Introduction: Why Custom Lighting Matters in Space Engineers (2026)

Lighting isn’t just about visibility in Space Engineers—it’s a powerful tool for creativity, communication, and immersion. Whether you’re building a cozy space station, a high-tech mining rig, or a combat-ready warship, the right lighting can transform your creation from functional to fantastic. In 2026, the game continues to evolve with improved graphics, mod support, and deeper customization options. One of the most satisfying upgrades you can make? Changing light colors.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to change light colors in Space Engineers using both simple in-game tools and advanced scripting techniques. We’ll cover everything from basic color selection to automated lighting systems that respond to your environment. By the end, you’ll be able to paint your ships and bases with light like a true engineer-artist.

Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first survival base or a veteran looking to add flair to your megastructures, this guide has something for you. Let’s dive in and illuminate your world—literally.

Understanding Light Blocks in Space Engineers

Before you start changing colors, it’s important to know which blocks support color customization. Not all lights are created equal.

Types of Light Blocks

There are several light-emitting blocks in Space Engineers, but only some allow color changes:

• Interior Light: Found in most ships and stations. These are the most common and easiest to customize.
• Exterior Light: Mounted on the outside of structures. Great for signaling or decoration.
• Spotlight: Directional lighting with adjustable beam angle and range. Supports color changes.
• Reflector Light: A hybrid between interior and exterior lights. Offers good brightness and color control.
• Decorative Lights (Mods): Some community mods add neon strips, LED panels, and more—often with enhanced color options.

Note: Basic light sources like the Small Light or Emergency Light may not have color settings. Always check the block’s terminal menu.

Where to Find Light Blocks

You can craft light blocks at an Assembler using common materials like Iron, Steel Plates, and Construction Components. Interior Lights are among the earliest blocks you’ll unlock, making them perfect for early-game customization.

Pro Tip: Stock up on light blocks early. They’re lightweight, cheap, and incredibly versatile.

How to Change Light Colors: The Basics

Changing light colors is straightforward once you know where to look. Here’s how to do it using the in-game terminal.

Step 1: Access the Control Panel

First, open the Control Panel by pressing K (default key). This brings up a list of all blocks on your ship or station.

Step 2: Locate Your Light Block

Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find your light block. You can filter by type—select “Lighting” to see only light-related blocks.

Step 3: Open the Light’s Settings

Click on the light block to open its terminal menu. You’ll see several options:

• On/Off: Toggle the light.
• Brightness: Adjust intensity (0–100%).
• Radius: Set how far the light reaches.
• Color: This is what we’re here for!

Step 4: Use the Color Picker

Click the Color button. A color wheel or RGB sliders will appear. Here’s how to use both:

• Color Wheel: Click anywhere on the wheel to pick a hue. Drag the center dot to adjust brightness and saturation.
• RGB Sliders: Manually set Red, Green, and Blue values from 0 to 255. This gives you precise control.

Example: To create a soft blue light, set Red to 50, Green to 100, and Blue to 255.

Step 5: Apply and Test

Once you’ve chosen a color, click Apply or OK. The light will update immediately. Walk around your build to see how the color looks in different areas.

Pro Tip: Use warm colors (orange, yellow) for living quarters and cool colors (blue, white) for work areas to create mood and functionality.

Advanced Color Customization with RGB Values

While the color wheel is great for quick changes, RGB sliders let you fine-tune your lighting like a pro.

Understanding RGB

RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue—the three primary colors of light. By mixing them, you can create millions of colors. Each value ranges from 0 (off) to 255 (full intensity).

For example:

• Pure Red: R=255, G=0, B=0
• Pure Green: R=0, G=255, B=0
• Pure Blue: R=0, G=0, B=255
• White: R=255, G=255, B=255
• Black (off): R=0, G=0, B=0

Creating Custom Colors

Let’s say you want a calming purple light for your med bay. Here’s how:

1. Open the light’s terminal.
2. Click Color and switch to RGB mode.
3. Set Red to 150, Green to 50, Blue to 200.
4. Adjust brightness to 80% for a soft glow.
5. Apply and test.

Experiment with different combinations. Try a greenish-cyan for an alien lab or a deep red for a warning zone.

Using Hex Codes (Mods and Scripts)

In vanilla Space Engineers, you can’t enter hex codes directly. But if you’re using mods like Advanced Lighting or scripting with programmable blocks, you can input hex values (e.g., #FF5733 for orange-red).

This is especially useful if you’re matching colors across multiple builds or following a design theme.

Automating Light Colors with Programmable Blocks

Want lights that change color automatically? That’s where Programmable Blocks come in. These versatile blocks let you write scripts to control other blocks—including lights.

Setting Up a Programmable Block

1. Place a Programmable Block on your ship or station.
2. Open its terminal and click Edit to open the script editor.
3. Give your script a name, like “ColorCycler” or “AlertLights”.

Basic Script: Cycle Through Colors

Here’s a simple script that changes a light’s color every 5 seconds:

// Color Cycler Script

// Place this in a Programmable Block

Light myLight;

int colorIndex = 0;

int[] red = {255, 0, 0, 255};

int[] green = {0, 255, 0, 255};

int[] blue = {0, 0, 255, 100};

int delay = 5000; // 5 seconds
void Main()

{

    // Get the first Interior Light on the grid

    myLight = GridTerminalSystem.GetBlockWithName("Interior Light 1") as IMyInteriorLight;
    if (myLight