MAXON Computer Cinema 4D Tutorials: Materials with XPresso

Tips & Techniques - XPresso

XPresso:
Materials with XPresso
Download:
Project Works with:
R8, XL, Studio Requires:
Version 8+

CINEMA's new node-based expression editor, "XPresso", allows you to import materials and drive various elements and channels by using outside effectors.

Step 1: Create a Null Object (Objects=>Null Object).

Step 2: In the Attributes Manager, choose Add User Data from the User Data menu.

Step 3: Type 'Color' in the name field and choose Color from the datatype drop-down.

Step 4: Choose Add User Data again and add a Float named 'Refract'. Set Unit to 'Real', Min to 1, Max to 2, and the Step to 0.1.

Step 5: Now, create a new Material (File=>New Material) in the Material Manager.

Step 6: Add an XPresso Expression to the Null Object (File=>New Expression=>XPresso Expression).

Step 7: Drag & Drop the material along with the Null Object into the XPresso Window.

Step 8: Click the Red Box in the upper right of the Null Object's node to list the Outputs. Choose User Data=>Color =>Color.

Step 9: Click the Blue Box of the material and choose Color=>Color=>Color.

Step 10: Now, drag a wire from the Null Object's port to the material's.

Step 11: Add a port for 'Refract' using the same method you used to add the 'Color' port.

Step 12: Also add an Input port for the Refraction of the material (Transparency=>Transparency Refraction). Link the two new ports together.

Step 13: You can now control the Color and Refraction of the material using the User Data fields.

-Special thanks to Rick Barrett.