Release Notes
                        --------------------
                          TGS Amapi 3D 	V 4.1
                    	  --------------------
                             November 1998

WARNING !
	Some versions of ATMĒ (ATMĒ 4.0, ATMĒ Deluxe) may be NOT compatible
with the 3D Text Tool of Amapi3D Golden Edition. Please disable this extension 
if you get any troubles ...

   - What is Amapi 3D?

   - Introduction to Amapi 3D

   - System requirements

   - Changes in Release 4.1 from v3.0x

   - Getting Started

   - Application support


What is Amapi 3D?
-----------------

Amapi 3D is a powerful interactive 3D modeler used by designers to
create high-quality models and images.  The interface of Amapi 3D
is intended to make computer-based modeling "natural", and the
features of Amapi are intended to deliver models that look
natural.  Amapi 3D is well regarded by expert and beginning users.

Key features of Amapi 3D include:

 *  The ability to quickly create 3D geometry from 2D lines using
    advanced extrusion tools.

 *  A "Natural Design Interface" that combines keyboard shortcuts
    with easy-to-find tools.

 *  Support for over 20 file formats, making Amapi 3D the premier
    companion to Softimage, 3D Studio Max, Strata Studio, Maxon
    Cinema 4D and more.

 *  Affordable standalone solution for large work groups and 
    individuals on PC an Mac.

 *  Very cool animation and rendering, including the hot new
    ActiveStyles technology!


Introduction to Amapi 3D - The Natural Way to Model!
----------------------------------------------------

  These notes describe the features and improvements that have been added
  since the TGS Amapi Studio 3.0x product release in May 1998.

  This is a major new release of the Amapi 3D modeler.
  The Amapi 3D v4.1 release replaces Amapi Studio and Amapi Workshop products.

  Compatibility:

      All Amapi Studio and Amapi Workshop projects (.x files) are
      compatible with Amapi 3D, though they must be renamed to support
      the new .a3d file extension (i.e. mymodel.x is now mymodel.a3d).

      Amapi 3D v4.1 can be installed on systems that have Amapi Studio
      or Amapi Workshop products.  The DLL's and files have changed in
      the new release, so be sure to select a new folder for the
      Amapi 3D install, or use the suggested default offered in the
      Amapi 3D install program.

System Requirements
-------------------

    Minimum System Requirements (PC):
     - Intel Pentium(TM) 133
     - 256 Color display (or better)
     - Windows 95, 98 or Window NT (4.0 or higher)
     - 16 MB RAM - Windows 95/98
     - 32 MB RAM - Windows NT
     - 120 MB hard disk space

    Recommended System Requirements (PC):
     - Intel Pentium 200 or equivalent
     - OpenGL accelerated graphics card
     - 32 MB RAM - Windows 95/98
     - 48 MB RAM - Windows NT

    Minimum System Requirements (Mac):
     - Power Macintosh or compatible
     - 256 Color display 
     - 32 MB RAM - (20 allowed for Amapi)
     - 120 MB hard disk space
     - System 8.0 or upper

    Recommended System Requirements (Mac):
     - Power Macintosh or compatible
     - 64 MB RAM - (50 allowed for Amapi)

Changes in Release 4.1 from v3.0x
---------------------------------

 1) Re-designed User Interface

    - A new "standard" interface has been added to Amapi 3D, which
      delivers the Construction, Modeling and Assembly tools in
      a floating toolbar with standard Windows/Apple look & feel.

    - The "Natural Design Interface" of Amapi has been modified with
      improved icons.  Users can turn on the NDI via the
      Edit>>Preferences pulldown.

    - The Control Panel has been enhanced.  Located at the bottom of
      the Amapi 3D work area, it now has added short-cuts for Zoom,
      view, material palette, hide/view objects, etc.

    - A new Tips Panel has been added across the top portion of
      Amapi 3D, with Undo/Redo, cancel tool and end tool functions.
      The Tool Tips are displayed in this area.

 2) Rendering

    - Amapi 3D v4.1 includes ActiveStyles 1.0, the new rendering
      technology from TGS.  This feature provides high-speed Phong,
      raytrace and artistic rendering capabilities to the product.

    - Amapi 3D v4.1 has extended support for real-time 3D rendering
      and support for accelerated hardware rendering.  The user can
      now selected between an efficient non-accelerated mode (perfect
      for low-end, non-Pentium systems) to OpenGL acceleration.

    - A new "WireShade" mode of rendering can be selected which
      improves upon pure wireframe or pure shaded modes.  By combining
      wireframe and shaded rendering, the user can still see the "model"
      and gets the added advantage of depth and surface perception.

 3) Modeling

    - Amapi 3D adds a number of new modeling features, including expansion
      of 2D extrusion objects.

    - Improved Boolean operators, faster performance


Getting Started
---------------
	
	Please read the Amapi 3D manual for more informations for how to 
	use the product. A version of this documentation is available
	on the CD ROM as a .html file

Application support
-------------------

Your Amapi 3D license entitles you to use the online support services
of TGS and TGS Europe.

Please send all support questions via email to applications@europe.tgs.com.  
You can also FAX questions to (33) 5 56 13 02 10.

Please go to www.tgs.com/Amapi to take advantage of online community
resources for Amapi 3D.

*---------------------------------------------------------*
            Template Graphics Software            
           The Standard in Graphics Tools      
 *---------------------------------------------------------*

    Template Graphics Software Inc.
    American and Asian Headquarters.
    9920 Pacific Heights Blvd., Suite 200
    San Diego, CA  92121
    
        Tel: 619.457.5359
        Fax: 619.452.2547
        WWW: http://www.tgs.com
        Email: info@tgs.com

    TGS Europe SA
    European Headquarters
        Phone: (33) 5 56 13 37 77
        Fax:   (33) 5 56 13 02 10
        WWW: http://www.europe.tgs.com
        Email: info@europe.tgs.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Software Inc.