thanks frenchy,

i always appreciate your software tips. i'll check it out. unfortunately, simlab composer isn't for me. so maybe this program is. i've been stuck with a very old version of keyshot. the newer versions don't work on my laptop. although blender is free, it's way too complicated for me. i don't want to devote a lot of time to learning how to render. the nice thing about keyshot is an idiot can use it, at least to a degree.

anthony