Cinema 4D

The A23D Cinema 4D Asset Importer enables you to download A23D assets from the website directly into Cinema 4D. The A23D Bridge panel shows download and import progress, lets you choose a custom asset folder, and can also import downloaded A23D assets from disk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about using A23D assets with Cinema 4D.

Do I need a plugin to use A23D assets in Cinema 4D?

The A23D Asset Importer is the recommended way to use A23D assets in Cinema 4D because it supports direct website imports and automatic material setup. You can still download files manually from A23D and import supported formats yourself.

Which Cinema 4D versions are supported?

The latest A23D Asset Importer is compatible with Cinema 4D 2025 and newer, while also supporting Cinema 4D 2023 / R26, across Windows and macOS.

How do I install the A23D Asset Importer for Cinema 4D?

Download the plugin from the Cinema 4D integration page, unzip it, and copy the A23DAssetImporter folder into Cinema 4D's plugins folder. Restart Cinema 4D, then open Extensions > A23D Asset Importer.

How do I download an asset from the A23D website to Cinema 4D?

Open the A23D Bridge panel in Cinema 4D. On the A23D website, choose Cinema 4D in the Software dropdown, choose a resolution, and click Send to Cinema 4D.

Can the A23D Bridge panel open automatically when Cinema 4D starts?

Yes. Open Extensions > A23D Asset Importer, dock the A23D Bridge panel, then go to Window > Customization > Save as Startup Layout. Cinema 4D will reopen the panel in that docked position on startup.

Can I choose where website downloads are saved?

Yes. In the A23D Bridge panel, open Settings and set Asset folder if you want to use a custom download location. Leave the field empty if you do not need a custom location.

Can I import an asset that is already on my computer?

Yes. Open the A23D Bridge panel, click Import from disk, and select the extracted A23D asset folder.

Which file format should I download for manual use in Cinema 4D?

For manual imports, .fbx is usually best for 3D models. If you are using the add-on's website import flow, choose Cinema 4D on the asset page and click Send to Cinema 4D instead.

Which renderers are supported?

The plugin builds materials for the renderer active in your Cinema 4D render settings. It supports Redshift, V-Ray, Octane, Corona, Arnold, Standard, and Physical materials.

Can I use A23D Decals in Cinema 4D?

Yes. The importer brings decals in as texture sets with transparency. Apply them to a small plane or a flat host with Stick Texture mapping, or — in Redshift — use the dedicated RS Decal object to project the decal non-destructively over a base material.

How do I use A23D IES lighting profiles in Cinema 4D?

Cinema 4D supports IES profiles in its Light object's Photometric settings (Standard/Physical) and Redshift Light's IES mode. Add a light, switch to IES, and load the A23D .ies file — the luminaire then emits with the manufacturer-accurate distribution.

What texture resolution should I use in Cinema 4D?

Use 4K maps for close-up assets, 2K for general scene assets, and 1K for distant or background props. Lower resolutions are lighter to work with in large scenes.