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Import a 3D model from Cinema 4D

  • Updated

Cinema 4D models can be imported into Shapespark through the COLLADA (DAE) format.

To import a Cinema 4D model to Shapespark follow the steps:

  1. Export the Cinema 4D model with File > Export... > COLLADA 1.5 (*.dae) menu item using the following settings:

    • Clear the Export 2D geometry checkbox.
    • Clear the Export animation checkbox.
    • Select the Export triangles checkbox.

      collada_export.png

  2. Import the exported COLLADA file using the Import .fbx .dae .obj button in the main Shapespark window.


    import_button.png
    • Use an Input scale of 1m.

 

❕ To update the Shapespark scene after it has been modified in Cinema 4D, export it again and use the Update button in the main Shapespark window.

 

⚠️ Export issues

If the model imported to Shapespark does not match the original Cinema 4D model, check the following potential issues and their solutions.

Material properties are missing

Cinema 4D's COLLADA exporter only supports the standard C4D material type. If your C4D model uses a different material system, convert the materials to standard ones before the export in order to transfer the material properties to Shapespark. Only the Color and Transparency material channels are exported and translated to Shapespark's base color/texture and opacity material properties. Texture-related shaders like Colorizer, Filter, Noise, etc. are not handled.

Textured materials are solid red

Shapespark imports a material as solid red if it cannot find a texture referenced by the material in the COLLADA file. To help locate textures, save the project together with all its assets in one place by using the File > Save Project with Assets... menu item and export the newly saved project.

Texture offset, rotation or scale is incorrect

Cinema 4D's COLLADA exporter may not export texture mapping correctly if an object has no UVW tag. If you find that an object in Shapespark has a texture with incorrect offset, rotation or scale, add a UVW tag to this object in Cinema 4D, and retry the export.

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