What It Does
TP Partio caches Cinema 4D Thinking Particles simulations to disk, solving the long-standing problem of having to re-simulate from frame zero every time you scrub the timeline. It writes particle data in formats like BGEO, PRT, and GEO, which can be shared with other 3D applications like Maya and Realflow.
Key Features
Particle caching. Saves Thinking Particles simulations to disk for instant timeline scrubbing without re-simulation.
Cross-application support. Exports to BGEO, PRT, and GEO formats for use in Maya, Realflow, and other software. BGEO and PRT are recommended for best size and speed performance.
Snapshot and continuation. Takes snapshots of any simulation frame and continues the simulation from that point.
Backward playback. Plays cached simulations in reverse while scrubbing through the timeline.
Matrix object integration. Can cache cloner positions via Matrix objects or feed cached particles into cloners.
The plugin incorporates Disney Animation’s partio library, adapted for Cinema 4D.
Who It’s For
Cinema 4D users working with complex Thinking Particles simulations who need faster iteration times and the ability to share particle data across applications. Particularly useful for motion graphics and VFX work involving particle systems.
Pricing
This plugin has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase. Previously offered as pay-what-you-want, it was free to download and test with no limitations. Users were encouraged to pay if they used it in production.
Compatibility note: Requires Cinema 4D R13 or above, 64-bit only (tested with R15, R14, R13). Not compatible with After Effects.