Where do I install plugins for Cinema 4D?

Problem:

In Cinema 4D R20 and higher, there is no longer a 'Plugins' folder in the installation directory. While you can create a new folder named "plugins" in the installation directory, and add your plugins there, this old method may not work properly in some cases with Cinema 4D R20 and newer.

Solution:

Cinema 4D R20 and higher have simplified the plugin installation process by allowing users to set up a custom plugin path in the preferences – Here’s how you can do it:

1. Create a Plugins Folder:
First, create a folder anywhere on your computer to store your plugins*. You can even use a cloud service folder (like Dropbox or Google Drive) to access your plugins across multiple machines.
Suggestion: Name this folder something easy to remember, like "Plugins"

2. Set the Plugins Path in Cinema 4D:

• Open Cinema 4D
• Go to the Edit menu and select 'Preferences'
• In the Preferences window, go to the Plugins section on the left
• Click on Add Folder at the bottom of the window

3. Select the Plugins Folder:
A File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) window will open. Navigate to and select the Plugins folder you created earlier**. Once selected, click OK. The folder will appear in the Search Paths box with a checkmark next to it, indicating it’s enabled.

4. Restart Cinema 4D:
Close and re-launch Cinema 4D. During the launch, Cinema 4D should load all the plugins installed in this newly added plugin directory.

Once Cinema 4D is open you should find your plugins listed under the 'Extensions' menu. Some plugins like GreyScaleGorilla, for example, will have their own menu and not be listed under the Extensions menu.

* You cannot use the plugins folder inside of your Cinema 4D installation folder for this method. Since the old method still works, folders located in the same folder where Cinema 4D itself is installed are ignored if used as a Search Path.

** Note that in this step you can also create a new folder straight from the search window, so if you haven't created a plugins folder already you can do so in this step instead.

Plugins Not Loading:

If plugins are not loading, please ensure the plugin is compatible with the version of Cinema 4D you are installing to. It is quite common that a plugin developer will need to update their plugin with each major release of Cinema 4D.

If you've confirmed the plugin is compatible and is still not visible under the Extensions menu, please feel free to open a support ticket here:

OPEN A SUPPORT TICKET