Alpha planes are 2D models that allow you to display images with transparency maps, such as building facades, tree lines, and signs. Large planes are best used in the distance to enhance background. Smaller planes are good for closer items that are too complex (too many polygons) to model in this environment.

Alpha planes do not require much in terms of systems resources, sometimes as little as 10% of a modeled item. Therefore you scenes will load faster, especially in some of the new rooms that have HUNDREDS of furniture nodes. Mixing Alpha planes and meshes in rooms will keep resources under control and enhance the experience of your avatars.