CompuServe Messages

Lance, Objects can have many surface attributes. You just have to give the parts of the object (the polygons) their particular surface names within Modeller, then return to Layout and enter your surface parameters for each. You could also save each piece (text, graphic, etc.) as a separate object, load them all in, and parent them. But they could also constitute a single object file, though their respective positions would have to be chosen in Modeller. It's your choice. If they're separate, you can then place them to your liking, and make changes, in Layout before parenting and rendering. To give an object a different edge surface, simply choose those polygons that make up the edges in Modeller and rename them. Then, go into Layout and alter the surface attributes for the new edge surface. Surfaces are complex. It took me quite a while to get the hang of them. There are so many options. But the time spent experimenting is well worth it. You will find that once you've gotten a good idea of what specularity, diffusion, etc. really do, you'll have fantastic control over the realism of your imagery. You might benefit from the many tutorial tapes floating around. I here that the Lee Stranahan series (of Video Toaster User Magazine fame) is one of the best. Consult this forum, and the AmigaArts forum, for discussions on these tapes. You can, I suppose, buy surfaces. The quickest way to acquire them, however, is to try a Toaster Specialty BBS. Many have specific Surface sections with a variety of ones from which you can choose. Also, any objects you load into Lightwave will have surface attributes that you can save as another name and re-use on other objects if you like. Remember, when you save an object from Layout, you save its surface parameters (images to map, all colors, reflection settings, etc.). Therefore, when you load an object, these surfaces automatically load with it. They are married to the object, but can be changed and saved. Hope this helps. Try Obstacle Illusion BSS (616) 791-2109 or Studio Amiga (817) 557-2111. These are two hot Toaster BBSs that come to my mind. Steve Stephen Bailey Sawyer & Bailey Film and Video CIS # 72773,2451