here are examples of what can be achieved with proper uv mapping. the pictures in these images are all totally uvmapped with uvmapper and rendered in carrara. They coulda been rendered in Bryce, except itd be around 2050 before they were done with the current render engine :) anyhow, see: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?Form.ShowMessage=1422132 http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?Form.ShowMessage=1393412 I highly recommend uvmapping your models that you build in 3rd party apps (like amapi, or wings) to get the most out of them. Its also really easy to cut the model up into different groups and materials. might want to check out the uvmapper forum here as well. :) BT