Help...trying to do a search engine search has been almost hostile so I ask here....How does one create a .mat file? Will I need yet another expensive software to create these? I understand how to create a bitmap texture and import them but I am looking to create texteures that would be more of a 3 dimension....:)

Attached Link: http://peepee-weewee.hypermart.net

a .mat file is an exported Bryce-specific material file. They can only be created in Bryce, and only used in Bryce. You make a .mat file by creating a material in Bryce, adding it to your material presets (by displaying the Material Library and clicking Add), and you can export them to a file by highlighting one (or more, using ctrl-click) of the materials in the Material Library and clicking Export. That's it. Their only purpose is to exchange material settings with your friends, for use ONLY within Bryce, or to organize your own materials collection, if you have a whole bunch and don't want to fill up your Materials Library with endless variations. You can export all your mats and delete them from the Library, importing them again as necessary.

Thanks..looks like i have to spend more time in the material editor window...I have been able to add a few bitmaps by just hitting and poking randomly but have yet to get something worthwhile. Thank you for the responses.