Redshift

Maxon Redshift is a biased GPU production renderer that runs as a plugin inside Cinema 4D, Houdini, Maya, 3ds Max, and Blender. Import A23D 3D models with the A23D Asset Importer in supported hosts such as Cinema 4D, Maya, 3ds Max, and Blender, or use the host's native import workflow where an A23D importer is not available. The A23D Asset Importer imports assets into the host application; it is not a file converter. A23D PBR textures then integrate into Redshift through the RS Standard Material or OpenPBR Material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about using A23D assets with Redshift

Do I need a plugin to use A23D assets in Redshift?

Redshift itself is the renderer plugin inside your DCC. For importing A23D 3D models, use the A23D Asset Importer where available, then assign or rebuild the material with RS Standard Material or OpenPBR Material for Redshift rendering. In hosts without an A23D importer, use the host application's native import workflow.

Which file format should I download for use in Redshift?

You don't need to pick a format manually - just select Redshift in the Software dropdown on the asset page and A23D delivers the right format automatically. For Redshift that's .fbx, accompanied by a PNG PBR texture set.

How do I use A23D PBR textures with Redshift materials?

Create an RS Standard Material (or OpenPBR Material in Redshift 2025.4+) and connect each A23D map via an RS Texture node:

• Albedo / Diffuse -> Base Color
• Normal -> Bump -> set type to Normal Map (Tangent)
• Roughness -> Roughness
• Metallic -> Metalness
• Ambient Occlusion -> multiply with Base Color
• Height -> Displacement (via the host's Redshift Object Properties -> Displacement, or in OpenPBR's dedicated input)
• Opacity -> Opacity
• Emissive -> Emission

Can I use A23D Height maps as true displacement in Redshift?

Yes. Set the host object's Redshift Object Properties -> Displacement to Enable and connect the A23D Height map via a Displacement node. Adjust scale in scene units. Redshift tessellates at render time so the displacement adds true silhouette detail.

How do I use A23D IES lighting profiles in Redshift?

Redshift supports IES profiles on its Redshift Light objects. In the light's properties, set the type to IES and load the A23D .ies file. The light emits with manufacturer-accurate distribution across all supported hosts - Cinema 4D, Houdini, Maya, 3ds Max, and Blender.

Can I use A23D Decals in Redshift?

Yes. Use the RS Decal object (Cinema 4D) or apply the A23D decal texture to a plane with the Redshift Standard Material's Opacity input connected to the supplied opacity map. Redshift renders the decal with full PBR shading non-destructively over the base surface.

What texture resolution should I use with Redshift?

Redshift is GPU-bound, so use 4K maps for hero materials, 2K for general scene assets, and 1K for distant or background props. This keeps GPU memory in check, especially when rendering scenes with many textured objects on consumer cards.