Can't check the user guide, I'm only toying with the free tryout d/l. But the advice you two offered was all I needed for the soft shadows. Found'em, tried'em, cursed'em ;-) Seriously, as long as I'm working on ancient PII/233, I'd be drawing my pension before any pic with really soft shadows finished rendering. Can't stop toying with Vue, though. If Bryce becomes history, Vue will be a sweet substitute - maybe even if Bryce stays with us. Thanks for helping me out. Have fun