Cineversity

Hi Doc,

In past versions of Cinema 4D, I’ve always created Content Browser Preset Library files in order to share C4D material libraries with other users.  Do you happen to know if a .lib4d file is still the best way to share materials in R20?  So much has changed with materials that I want to be sure that I do this right.

Thanks, my friend!

Mark

Hi Mark,

I would say this is the way to go. It has several advantages.
https://help.maxon.net/us/#5893
I have no idea if you have larger textures/images in it, perhaps other users like to store them in a central place (server). Worth to check out, if that is not already in use:
https://www.cineversity.com/vidplaytut/custom_folders_for_presets_plugins_and_scripts_via_environment_variables

The alternative (storing it in c4d files) has some drawbacks, considering single materials and /or texture path information, but for larger collections, perhaps worth a try.
This alternative is used to store materials into a c4d file. Any c4d file that has materials in it, can be opened in the Material Manager and one will load only the Materials of the scene file into the manager. In the same way, you can also store your current materials from the Material manger directly into a c4d file.

I would like to put your attention to the Preferences [R20], and there to the Files/Path entry. This has changed, perhaps for your current project worth to explore?

All in all, it would be a good idea to suggest what you need into this forum:
https://www.cineversity.com/forums/viewforum/96/

All the best

Thanks, Doc!  If I’m interpreting the https://help.maxon.net/us/#5893 help doc correctly, it appears that the way I’ve done it in the past (In the Content Browser, choose File>New Preset Library, then drag and drop materials into the library folder) is still the best way.  I’m sharing libraries with 150 materials each and each material has one or more 4K textures associated with it.  Do you think the file size will be a problem?

Mark, I don’t think the file size is a problem, considering the use inside of Cinema 4D. Some lib files are several GB large. I can’t answer the question about distribution or how other artists appreciate it. On the end I would think that quality is all we care, but even today, I see the use of 8bit/channel image, which makes me always wonder why. So, yes, that is a wide question, and since on the end the results count and not how we got there, I would always say, go for it.
I’m not clear, based on your description if each material has individual files, or if they share some standards.
The other question might be, is 4K (I assume square) enough these days, given UHD as a new standard, and in Cinema Acquisition even 8K is more often used already. On the end it depends how large the objects come to the camera, etc. A longer story.
I guess you have a little beta crew, they might give you precise feedback about the whole package.
My best wishes for your project!

Thanks for your advice, Doc.  Each material has anywhere from one to five 4K texture maps associated with it.  I’ve had success building Redshift for Cinema 4D material packs using similar 4K texture maps.  My real question was whether or not I need to package the materials differently than I have in previous versions, but it appears that the same Preset Library (.lib4d) approach works in R20.  Now I just have to get busy finishing up these materials.

Thanks for your good wishes!

You’re very welcome, Mark.

Enjoy the finishing part of the work, isn’t it always the nicest step?

Cheers