Maybe I'm just dense, but I read thru the manual info on reflection maps at least three times, and I still don't understand how I would make one. What type of image are they talking about? How, exactly, do you use a sphere for a map? Which is better, and why? It's really very unclear; to me, anyway. Next question- What is Elefont and where do I find it? I'm for any and all tools that can be useful in my graphics work. Between all the fantastic Poser stuff and helpful ideas, my collection is expanding almost daily! Thanx, to all, from an appreciative semi-newbie. You know who you are.

Check the message I posted to Deal a couple of messages down. I'm including the reflection that was used on the pocket watch. It seems that small, simple maps work the best. There doesn't seem a best way to explain how to do them other then having an example as a starting point and tinkering. Very non-intuitive. Oops! I forgot that you can't post an image with a reply. OK, I'll upload it to my site. Grab this: http://bushi3d.com/images/goldtex5.jpg

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Here's the short answer: Any picture can be a reflection map. But you should think of the image wraping on a sphere. meaning only that when it is applied it circles the entire staging area, as if you placed a giant sphere in the scene and the objects that reflect, will reflect this picture. But the picture is a rectangle, it just wraps on an imaginary sphere in the scene. Hope this helps a little. James

Really good explanation James.

Elefont is a 3D text generator that will export in either DXF or POV-Ray format & is available at... http://www.armanisoft.ch