CompuServe Messages

As far as I know, the DTP packages you mention do not support 3DS's alpha channel (used for transparancy) in a way you describe (someone correct me if I'm a bit off on this for newer software versions. Maybe the newer software is supporting Pshop-style masks?). So getting procedural graphic elements to show through an imported bitmap in one of these programs can be a difficult venture. However, If you render to a _completely_ white backround, and you are compositing your DTP elements to be printed on white paper, you should be able to place your graphic components on a layer above the bitmap, so you can at least move them right up to, or over your bitmap to at least affect a situation where the graphic elements and your rendered image live very closely with each other, if not actually "showing through". -Alan