Latest News

1

Cinema 4D R19 Released

Posted on by Andreas Block

It’s this time of the year again, we have released the new major version R19 of Cinema 4D.
Check out the new features of R19 on maxon.net.

Of course R19 also comes with updated SDKs for C++ and Python.

C++

Python

Some Highlights

  • C++ and Python: Support for new features, like LOD object, Polygon Reduction and Sound Effector
  • C++: Delegate support to define callbacks
  • C++: Sometimes the small things matter: GetDataInstanceRef()
  • Python: C4DFallOff is now available, providing you for example with means to add FallOffs to modifiers/deformers

New Documentation Content

Furthermore we extended the C++ SDK documentations with a few new overview and manual pages, like for example:

The Python documentation also inherited a few manuals from the C++ documentation.

New Examples

Finally we have a bunch of new C++ plugin examples as well as Python script and plugin examples.
Unfortunately the C++ examples didn’t make it into the SDK delivered with R19 and R19 SP1. Instead we updated (finally!) our GitHub repository, so a bunch of new source can be found there and the old examples have been adapted to R19, where needed (which is actually not that much).

And of course Python received new examples as well:

Have Fun With R19 and Happy Plugin Development!

0

Melange SDK V18.014 Release (Build #207983)

Posted on by Andreas Block

A new Melange SDK for Cinema 4D R18 has been released.

Changes since 18.008 (Build #189950):

  • Fixed: CTrack sync parameter not read/written
  • Fixed: GeSleep() didn’t work properly on OSX
  • Fixed: Set/GetDeformMode() worked the other way around (value was always the opposite) [BEHAVIOR CHANGED!]
  • Examples projects updated, deprecated functions removed, compile errors and warnings on OSX fixed
  • Fixed: Some objects have identical markers error message with exported scenes (layer shader)
  • Fixed: IpCommunicationThread::SendScenefile() fails with files bigger than 3 GB
  • Fixed: Missing shader data for inactive takes
  • Other minor fixes

Download Melange SDK

0

Melange SDK V18.008 Release (Build #189950)

Posted on by Andreas Block

A new Melange SDK for Cinema 4D R18 has been released.

Changes since 18.005 (Build #180051):

  • Added: New variation shader support incl. API functions
  • Fixed: Missing material parameter defaults (MATERIAL_BUMP_PARALLAX_SAMPLES, …)
  • Fixed: melange::GeGetCurrentThreadCount() limitation of 32 cores (vs2013 libs and higher only)
  • Fixed: Missing inits for new render data parameter, default resolution updated to 1280×720 at aspect ration 16:9
  • Fixed: Texture tag missing defaults for POSITION and ROTATION
  • Fixed: Reading complex shader hierarchies shader links lost
  • Fixed: Communication issues on OSX 10.12
  • Fixed: Missing includes in main c4d.h header
  • Changed: Deprecated IDs and unused code/comments removed
  • Changed: Updated documentation and quickstart guide
  • Fixed: Minor fixes in example projects

Download Melange SDK

0

Cinema 4D R18 SP2 Released

Posted on by Andreas Block

Today MAXON released SP2 for Cinema 4D R18. For details on bugfixes and changes see the announcement on our homepage.

In parallel we updated the SDK documentations for C++ and Python. Not only did we correct things and integrated changes relevant for the new version, but under Overviews you will find new manual sections on Threading and GUI and User Interaction. Please note, the old information on User Interface was left in there unchanged. This will probably be the case for another one or two releases, so we have some time to gather your feedback.

C++:

Python:

Getting Started

Hi,
first time around?

Pick the right API for the right job

The very first thing you will need to do is choose which API will suit your needs.

Cinema 4D has… four APIs, the first three may be used to add functionality and are part of the product’s distribution:

  • C++
    The C++ SDK is what is used internally by the development team to write all our product’s functionalities.  It is robust reliable and the obvious choice for commercial plugins.  The C++ SDK offers the most extended capabilities of all APIs. Yet, if you are new in software development the learning curve may be a bit too steep. Then you probably want to have a look at the scripting languages.
  • Python and COFFEE
    Python and COFFEE are scripting languages. They are a good choice for TDs, easier, more flexible to use than the C++ API, but the feature set exposed is a bit less extended. In general both provide the means for very rapid development. On the other hand your sources are harder to protect in Python and COFFEE, your algorithms are easily exposed to all for reading. Nowadays you will probably prefer Python over COFFEE.
  • Mélange
    Mélange is a bit different, as it provides means to exchange data with the “outside world”. It can be downloaded on this site.

Find information

All APIs have their own documentation which can be downloaded from this website.  That documentation contains two things: articles explaining concepts and a functional documentation of the header files.  The later is generated directly from our sources and is written by our development team.  We publish relevant articles on our plugin development blog.  These articles eventually find their way into the API documentation.

The first place to look is on your chosen API’s page.  We will explain how to setup your development environment and get results fast.

Find help

We all need help once in a while. For this we have a Q&A forum where all are invited to ask questions and provide answers. Our support engineers will do their best to provide a solution to your problem.