Light

A
Utility

Light is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

See all Utility spells →
 spell that makes an object glow with customizable light, brightening dark spaces until covered.

2024 Rules
Level & School
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, M (a firefly or phosphorescent moss)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Wizard

You touch one Large or smaller object that isn't being worn or carried by someone else. Until the spell ends, the object sheds Bright Light in a 20-foot radius and Dim Light for an additional 20 feet. The light can be colored as you like.

Covering the object with something opaque blocks the light. The spell ends if you cast it again.

2014 Rules
Level & School
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, M (a firefly or phosphorescent moss)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Wizard

You touch one object that is no larger than 10 feet in any dimension. Until the spell ends, the object sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet. The light can be colored as you like. Completely covering the object with something opaque blocks the light. The spell ends if you cast it again or dismiss it as an action.

If you target an object held or worn by a hostile creature, that creature must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw to avoid the spell.

Light 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Light now targets a Large or smaller object that isn’t being worn or carried, instead of any object no larger than 10 feet in any dimension. The save against a hostile creature holding/wearing it is gone, and you can no longer end the spell by dismissing it; it only ends if you cast it again.

Light popularity

Light is a commonly chosen cantrip. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Light

  • Prestidigitation Transmutation cantrip

    A versatile cantrip that can create small sensory effects including a brief light, serving the same everyday lighting and flavor role as the target spell.

  • Dancing Lights Illusion cantrip

    Creates visible lights at range and is a cantrip used primarily to provide illumination and theatrical effects in similar situations.

  • Continual Flame 2nd-level evocation

    A longer‑lasting spell that makes an object shed light, essentially the noncantrip, persistent version of the same illumination effect.

  • Daylight 3rd-level evocation

    Produces a large, bright area of illumination for an extended period, functioning as a higher‑level alternative when strong light is needed.

  • Faerie Fire 1st-level evocation

    Although it also grants tactical benefits, it creates visible glowing outlines that provide illumination and reveal hidden targets, overlapping the target spell's lighting purpose.

Light is featured in