the x y z variables, is the point in 3d space, where the currently rendering pixel is at? or am i wrong? (x y z local, X Y Z global)

Hi Anxcon, The x,y and z have different functionality depending on the implementation. (shader, object, background etc.) Do you have access to the Carrara manual? There is a description of the terms and different applications towards the back of the manual.

sorry, ment shader wise :) Formula Shader x, y and z. These are the local space coordinates for the point being shader X, Y and Z. These are the global space coordinates for the point being shaded

You know, if I would read the title of the post, I could answer my own question! Just saw your other posts about creating a formula driven shader for skin textures. Yes, the variables are as you describe them. The other variables you'll want to start playing with are these: nx, ny and nz; NX, NY and NZ. These are the variables that drive the Normalized vector for the point being shaded. I haven't played with forumlas in the capacity you are experimenting with. Keep us posted! Mark

yep i found nx,ny,nz :) still need to find the formula poser uses for edge blend though ;/

There's some real funky stuff at: http://gianp.free.fr/carrara/indexcarrara.html including shader formulas for some amazing shapes. It's in French, but it's still pretty interesting and understandable. (This came up on the Yahoo forum a while ago; I don't know of any other good formula reference sites. If you find any - let us know.)

Yeah, I posted that also to anxcon awhile back when he asked about formulas. There are some cool things there. Not too many formula places I see for carrara.

No need to think outside the box....
    Just make it invisible.

Heh, didn't know about these formula things. Just have Carrara for about 3 weeks now. This sounds like interessting information. Could really help to transfer some Poser material settings to Carrara.