DennisA

Jeff +1... I assume you are using user component libraries... I only use these & do all my editing out of the project in the User Component Folder. Yes links are lost to embedded components (they are suppose to be same link to user components... they are not). Need to even replace same named embedded component with external user component... most of the time you can not select the component in user folder until it is replaced in embedded... spoke to tech support for years about this... but am living with the component disconnect.

Typo fmz to defaults

1st in preferences set fez to defaults. If that does not work, Close fmz Go into user library, in preferences put com.formZ.formZ.plist in desktop. If that doesn't work you can also try putting autodessys folder on desktop.

Really nice renderings

VERY SIMPLE. Components are an individual fmz file. I keep them in a folder always naming folder "project name" components in project file In folder I keep needed texture maps. This is much like the old symbols except symbols packaged individual fmz files. Main complaint I always had is that in Symbols you were able to edit material attributes for all globally. Components you cannot. I always have edited component files outside of project because user & embedded components links are never consistent... if you updated one the other should be updated... I find they are not the same. Reported this many times & wish fmz developers would fix this.

That is why I ONLY make user components. Names can be changed in user component folder. You would have to replace the embedded components with the user component. I have never trusted embedded components since symbols were changed in 6.5 & not sure why they were not the programmed same in newer fmz versions.

First try to save to fmz 6.5

I have had continual issues (has been reported to support) where the User Components have lost their links to the embedded components. If you want to keep using user components the embedded components have to be replaced with the user component.

allan... did you try to do what you want to the he faces using the decal tool?

dubir there have been many times that a user component (external) needed to replace the embedded does not sync with the embedded versions. I have found that I needed to replace the embedded components that are active in project with user components to reestablish links... it is a disconnect that has been going on for years.

I will truly miss Paul, I consider him one of the fmz tech masters on the team... thought the years coming thru with many fmz solutions & workarounds. The very best regards & condolences to his family & friends.

Send me 4 for my Farrari

Bo... one thing to consider on a Mac Pro is how many processors to use? In 5.1 eight processors may work better then 12 or 24-you should do a test on your computer. I have the same ATI Radeon HD 5870 1024 MB on my Mac Pro. I render most of my renderings in render zone without a problem. I haven't used fmz 5.8 for years.

Once you reshape a extruded object it loses the ability to use Tool Options/ Parameters tool to enter numerics. Same goes for a cube.

You should be able to bring in a layered psd file into fmz. The transparent areas will act as an alpha channel in transparent mapping. Make sure to click on match color shader & use alpha channel. Also note there should be no alpha channel in psd document for this to work.