# Ground plane

The [Ground plane](https://help.vectary.com/documentation/design-process/ground-plane) is a useful feature for grounding objects and receiving shadows, but it can also impact performance — especially when using dynamic mode.

#### Tips & recommendations

* **Limit the size of the ground plane** – In dynamic mode, a large ground plane increases the area where real-time shadows are calculated. Keep it as small as necessary for better performance.

<figure><img src="https://2973737105-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAXNLyKVZ2tvtyDr8sVES%2Fuploads%2FViFGfevuvQWeJw5Ntraw%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=be4e39ee-0a63-48aa-8956-0dadd30bf5a9" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Use baked shadows when possible** – The [**Baked Ground plane**](https://help.vectary.com/design-process/ground-plane#baked-shadow) is a more efficient alternative to dynamic shadows and often produces a more realistic result. In dynamic mode, shadows on the ground plane are calculated in real time, which can slightly affect performance.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://2973737105-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAXNLyKVZ2tvtyDr8sVES%2Fuploads%2FpqpWNoiUQfvKHihZ3FQr%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b8785900-2508-409d-8fc1-68f6cadad22a" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
When baking the ground plane, a shadow texture is generated. Its resolution is selected during the baking process but can later be reduced in **Preview mode.**
{% endhint %}