3d textures are mapped through the object, as opposed to a 2d texture that is mapped to the objects surface. These 3d textures are mapped in 3d space instead of 2d bit mapping. I work on a Mac and cannot use procedural authoring tools, like Darktree, that are Windows only programs. I'm wondering if there is anything similar out there. Thanks for the reply. I do use CS3 Extended extensively but need the mapping characteristics of a true 3d texture for more complex surfaces.