How Do I Transfer Custom Layouts, Databases, and Plugins From One Cinema 4D Version To Another?

Upgrading Cinema 4D? Here’s how to carry your custom setup forward: layouts, Asset Browser databases, and plugins, without rebuilding everything from scratch.

Layouts

If you have a customized layout (including one saved as the Startup Layout), export it from the old version and import it into the new one.

1. In the old version, go to Window > Customization > Save Layout As… and save the layout file.
2. In the new version, choose Window > Customization > Load Layout… and select your saved file.
3. Optionally select Save as Startup Layout to make it the default after launch.

Asset Browser databases

If you keep custom assets in a local Asset Browser database, connect that same database in the new version.

S26 and newer: Open the Asset Browser and from the Database menu choose Connect Database.

S24 and R25: Open the Asset Browser and from the Create menu choose Mount Database.

Choose the folder containing your assets and click Select Folder. The database will appear in the list and its assets will be available.

Plugins

For plugins, point the new version to your existing plugin directory.

Go to Edit > Preferences > Plugins, click Add Folder, select your plugin folder, and click OK. Restart Cinema 4D to load the plugins.

Important notes about plugins

• Do not place plugins inside the Cinema 4D application folder. Avoid paths like C:\Program Files\Maxon Cinema 4D 20** (Windows) or /Applications/Maxon Cinema 4D 20** (macOS). Use a separate folder (for example, under Documents) and point Cinema 4D to it.
• Many plugins require updates for newer Cinema 4D releases. If a plugin fails to load, check with the developer for a compatible version.