Home > Developer Resources for iClone
Whitepapers and Guides
Whitepapers and Quickstep guides can help you to create your own content for either commercial sale or your own individual project. iClone Developer Guides are in-depth instructions on the steps necessary to create content for iClone with 3D Studio Max. The iClone Developer Guides offer 3D Studio Max artists a comprehensive guide to constructing iClone characters, 3D scenes, accessories, props, cameras, and more. All guides are written to flow with existing pipelines.

G5 Character Whitepaper (Released on: 2011.11.18)
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G5 Character Templates New (Released on: 2011.11.18)
Your comprehensive guide to customizing your own unique G5 character for iClone 5

New with G5

- Adjust the physical body parts to create a unique character
- Higher quality skin textures while still retaining low polygon count
- Consistent motion bones for better motion control
- Additional chest bones to emulate breathing and chest expansion
- Higher polygon count for head meshes to increase facial detail
Basic Reallusion Member
ZBrush Character Sculpting, Polypaint and Ambient Occlusion (Released on: 2010.08.02)
Learn how to use 3DXchange to export your model in OBJ format, then bring it into ZBrush to customize the finer features such as skin and texture.
Basic Reallusion Member
Create iClone Character with Maya (Released on: 2010.07.13)
Become familiar with the step-by-step process of exporting characters from Maya for use in your iClone projects through the 3DXchange pipeline.
Basic Reallusion Member
Simulate Realistic Lighting and Reflection with HDRI (Released on: 2010.07.01)
To make a virtual scene that looks natural and more realistic, you must take great care of setting adjusting the environmental map, lighting and materials. One of the fastest and easiest ways to achieve this is by taking advantage of the HDRI features in iClone4.
Basic Reallusion Member
Create an Animated iProp - Mechanical Components (Released on: 2010.02.28)
In this document, we will show you how to prepare a mechanical component, rig and animate, add particle effect, and finally, use Dramacsript to control iProp behaviors.
You will be able to know the tricks to create an iProp which can be added to a character as an accessory, or make it as reusable iProp itself.
Basic Reallusion Member
Create an Animated iProp - Tank Tracks (Released on: 2010.02.28)
In the Sci-Fi content packs, the track movements are made with UV animation which is visually effective but still looks unreal. In this document, we introduce another technique to create a more realistic mechanical looking tracks.
Basic Reallusion Member
Creature Base Models(Released on: 2010.01.28)
Always wanted to create your own unique creatures/ characters that could be fully animated, just like the Legend of Dragon, The Horse or the new Mechanical Base?! Now with this whitepaper, you can learn all the secrets!
Basic Reallusion Member
ZBrush Pipeline (Updated on: 2010.01.28)
Learn how to create incredible heads for your characters using ZBrush and importing those heads into iClone!
Basic Reallusion Member
G3 Character (Updated on: 2009.06.02)

With this whitepaper you can finally learn how to create your own G3 Character!

  • Adjust the physical body parts to create a unique character
  • G3 has higher quality skin texture applied
  • G3 is a low poly model with better weighting around the knee or the elbow
  • Using 3d max, you can create characters of your dream and create unique accessories to attach to the body parts.
Basic Reallusion Member
Animated iProps (Updated on: 2009.04.15)
Want to create your own animated iProps? Use 3DS Max to create iProps to use in your next project!
Basic Reallusion Member
Animated Materials (Updated on: 2009.04.10)
Learn how to create your own animated materials, using 3DS Max and UV manipulation.
Basic Reallusion Member
Non-Human Character (Updated on: 2009.03.25)
How to create your own customized non-human characters, bone systems and animation using 3DS Max.
Basic Reallusion Member
What's New in 3D Studio Max Plug-in for iClone 3.0 (Updated on: 2008.09.26)
A glimpse of the iClone content creation white paper.
Basic Reallusion Member
Magic Circle (Updated on: 2009.01.22)
Creating Materials with multiple UV channels, then adding animation to those texture channels.
Basic Reallusion Member
Revision to Google Sketchup Models (Updated on: 2009.01.19)
Creating simple Google Sketchup Models and prepare them for use in iClone3.
Basic Reallusion Member
CloneBone (Updated on: 2009.01.19)
Is there any way that I could modify the skeleton and create my own unique character? Of course you can!!! You can create any cartoon character or robot as you wish.
Basic Reallusion Member
Character Studio (Updated on: 2009.01.19)
Character Studio can be used as iClone3 motion creator. Since we are exporting the motion into iClone3, we will need a biped skeleton with the similar structure as iClone characters.
Basic Reallusion Member
Motion Creator- Endorphin (Updated on: 2009.01.19)
Endorphin is a really easy to use tool that enables us to create any motions for our characters.
Basic Reallusion Member
Terrain Elements (Updated on: 2009.01.19)
Create your own unique terrains using 3DS Max.
Basic Reallusion Member
Create a Bounding Mesh for your props (Updated on: 2009.01.19)
You can control the interaction of the iProp or character by making your own bounding box or other bounding mesh that is constructed and sized in a manner more appropriate to the prop mesh.
Basic Reallusion Member
G3 Character Max Template (update) Guide
There has been an update for the G3 Max Templates, you can use the original link given to those accepted into the CCD program to access the updated G3 templates. This short guide explains the differences between T Pose and Relaxed pose as well as the differences between G1, G2 and G3 Max Templates.
Basic Reallusion Member
BVH import, Motion Design from Character Studio (Updated on: 2008.10.13)
From iClone3, Reallusion has officially supported 3DS MAX Character Studio (CS), and made CS the standard character motion production pipeline for iClone. For human or non-human characters, the full CS motion export capability has opened the gate to vast designer resources, including game designers and professional animation communities.

To perfectly import BVH mocap data, developers can enjoy the power of CS BIP format to retarget motion files with different bone scales or bone segments; It’s so far the best path to convert and fix variously formatted BVH data into iClone.
Basic Reallusion Member
Plug-in and Sample Files

Here you can find the plug-ins for both Maya 7.0 and 3DS Max. Use these templates as blueprint guides in creating your own characters and props for iClone. These templates are designed to give you a quick intro into what you can do. The rest is up to your imagination!


iClone & 3DS Max Training Videos Written by: Chris Murray- Author, 3D artist, & Certified Autodesk Training Specialist.

G5 Character Whitepaper (Released on: 2011.11.18)
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  Templates

G5 Character 3DS Max Templates New (Updated on: 2011.11.18)
With the launch of iClone 5 comes new possibilities with G5 characters. These G5 character templates will provide you with the base you need to customize your own characters in iClone 5. You must be a Reallusion member to access this resource.
Certified Content Developer
iCar Mechanic Tool Kit (AML iCar Dummy System)
Basic AML Dummy system with built in animation used in iCar Body Shop to quicly create interactive vehicles.
Primary Content Developer
G3 Head (for ZBrush Pipeline)
Head for G3 characters for 3DS Max, ZBrush. Now create your own G3 Heads capable of morphing!

Anyone certified for publishing content packs in the Content Store is entitled to get the G3 Head Max templates. You can apply for this tool for your creation after your content packs are on sale in the Content Store.
Primary Content Developer
G2 & G3 Character Max Template (source data)
The source max files and texture images of the G2/G3 character (essential male & female) in iClone assets, for further modification and creation.

Anyone certified for publishing content packs in the Content Store is entitled to get the G2/G3 Character Max templates and the white paper. You can apply for these powerful tools for your creation after your content packs are on sale in the Content Store.
Certified Content Developer

Maya

Beta version - For iClone 2.0
Full function and no expiration for Maya 7.0 version or lower (document is not included).
Primary Content Developer
 


3DS Max
 
Max Plug-in 2011 For iClone 5 New (Updated on: 2011.11.18)
Full function and no expiration for 3D Studio Max R8, R9, 2008-2011 (32 bit version).
Primary Content Developer
Max Plug-in 2011 For iClone 4 or above New (Updated on: 2011.04.21)
Full function and no expiration for 3D Studio Max R8, R9, 2008-2011 (32 bit & 64 bit versions).
Primary Content Developer
Samples for Max 2011 For iClone 4 or above (Updated on: 2011.01.17)
Sample files for 3D Studio Max 2011 (32 bit & 64 bit versions).
Primary Content Developer
Samples for Max 2010 For iClone 4 or above (Updated on: 2010.04.05)
Sample files for 3D Studio Max 2010 (32 bit & 64 bit versions).
Primary Content Developer
Samples for Max 2008 & 2009 For iClone 3.1 above
Sample files for 3D Studio Max R8, R9, 2008 & 2009 (32 bit) version.
Primary Content Developer
Quick Guide for Max 2010 Plug-in (Updated on: 2010.04.05)
A Quick Guide to create the different content types available in iClone 4 as well as the functions of the Plug-in.
Basic Reallusion Member
Archived Resources

Want to take a look at some of the older resources and quick guides? Or maybe just want to take a stroll down memory lane? No problem! Here you can find the resources and documentation used for older programs. iClone tutorials on working with Autodesk 3D Studio Max and the iClone 3D Studio Max exporter offer a general overview on how to work with 3D Studio Max to create content for older iClone programs.

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Creating Camera Animation for iClone
Create camera animations with 3ds Max for iClone.
Basic Reallusion Member
Create Custom BVH Profile
Prepare custom BVH profiles for the BVH converter, so you expand the compatibility of importable BVH file formats.
Basic Reallusion Member
iClone3: Non-Standard Character (Updated on: 2008.11.27)
Non-Standard Characters are the models that are skinned to RL bones. Take a look at this Whitepaper to see how to build and what can Non-Standard Characters do to enhance your projects in iClone3.
Basic Reallusion Member
iClone3: UV Animation (Updated on: 2008.11.27)
There are as many shapes to LCD signs as there are ways to create them. In this tutorial, we will recreate a common commercial scrolling LCD sign which is rectangular in shape. As to this tutorial you can apply this method to any other props as you wish.
Basic Reallusion Member
3D Text (Updated on: 2008.12.04)
Create 3D Text in SketchUp and convert it in 3DXchange for immediate use in iClone3. This is a fantastic and simple way to create 3D Text for application to any scene in iClone.
Basic Reallusion Member
Polygonal Modeling Basics for Using 3D Warehouse Models (Updated on: 2008.12.04)
Choosing the right Google 3D Warehouse Model is a tricky thing in Google. How tricky is tricky when tricky is tricky? Did I confuse you?! Peak your interest?! Well, it's all made clear and simplified with this explanation- just take a look it in here!
Basic Reallusion Member
Rename the Component in SketchUp (Updated on: 2008.12.04)
What's in a name?! Everything! Especially when talking about 3D models and their subsequent parts. Follow these tips to improve your efficiency and modeling techniques!
Basic Reallusion Member
Create Bezier Curves and Generate Soap Skin (Updated on: 2008.12.04)
Simplify your model by using the Bezier Curves to create the shape of your model. What's after that? Just use Soap Skin and Bubble plug-in to build up the model.
Basic Reallusion Member
Create Spring (Updated on: 2008.12.04)
"Add a little spring to your step".or props, or anything that you can imagine! In this tutorial we will introduce to you the procedure of creating spring props in 3ds Max. By using this technique you may experience the fun of what Spring Effects can do! Enjoy!
Basic Reallusion Member
What's New in 3D Studio Max Plug-in for iClone 1.5
The all new iClone 3DS Max plug-in provides more flexibility and speed for creating and exporting content from 3DS Max for iClone.

1. The exporter now shows a status bar for elapsed progress as Max exports VNS files allowing you to easily see the export process and completion.
2. New multi-map effects with added support for: diffuse, glow, bump, reflection, normal, glossiness, two-sided materials.
3. Live Props and Accessories may now have embedded animation from 3D Studio Max able to be exported from Max and assigned to the model in iClone using the iClone timeline. Produce Live Props like animals, cars, and more objects with life-like behavior or mechanical movement built-in for on-demand playback inside iClone.
4. More enhanced features include UV animation, vertex color, and self-cast shadow


Basic Reallusion Member
Sample white paper
A glimpse of the iClone content creation white paper.
Basic Reallusion Member
Repurposing 3D models Part I: Props
Convert existing 3d models into iClone contents like props and accessories.
Basic Reallusion Member
Repurposing 3D models Part II: Accessories
Convert existing 3d models into iClone contents like props and accessories.
Basic Reallusion Member
Customizing the video panel in the Newsroom
Replace the display screen in iClone "News" project with your own images.
Basic Reallusion Member
Creating a custom 3d Face inside iClone
Create your own 3D character customized with the face you import from any JPG or BMP.
Basic Reallusion Member
Introduction
The iClone 3D content developer guides give you a comprehensive understanding of how to create content for use inside Reallusion? iClone. Creating 3D content for iClone means you will be able to move 3D assets from 3DS Max to iClone and include them in iClone created movies. Whether you intend to export content for use in your own film productions or plan to create content packs that are able to be marketed to other iClone users, the 3D Studio Max developer guides for iClone provide an introduction for beginners and useful tools for pros that make increasing your iClone content library a snap.
Coming Soon
Basic Reallusion Member
iClone Production Workflows and Concepts (for iClone 1.5 and above)
This document is preserved to conceptual level discussion and process over view at most. Once you've read this section, you can focus directly on areas relevant to your expertise or use all the documents to become an expert all around iClone developer!
Basic Reallusion Member
iClone CCD Program Quick start Guide (for iClone 1.5 and above)
This quick start guide details the steps you need to accomplish to market your content through the Reallusion Content Developer program.
Basic Reallusion Member
Creating G2 characters for iClone (for iClone 1.5 and above)
  • Understand the important character concepts unique to iClone.
  • Effectively create and prepare character geometry to export to iClone.
  • Understand how texture and materials are handled on characters.
  • Place, scale and skin the RL Bone system to your character meshes.
Basic Reallusion Member
Working with materials and shaders in iClone (for iClone 1.5 and above)
  • Create and manage materials for objects and effects within iClone.
  • Understand the basic shaders that are supported within iClone.
  • Know how to achieve various visual effects with materials.
Basic Reallusion Member
Creating Accessories and Scene Props for iClone (for iClone 1.5 and above)
  • How to create an object to be used in iClone as a stand alone prop or accessory on a character.
  • Successfully prepare animated props and accessories for use in iClone.
  • Add 3 max resource file - Flag, Gun, and Horse
Basic Reallusion Member
Training video (for iClone2)
See the sample modeling technique for iClone by Chris Murray
Video 1: Scene Setup
Video 2: Tools for Editing
Video 3: Editing the Upper Body
Video 4: Editing the Upper Body Continued
Video 5: Editing the Lower Body
Video 6: Editing the Feet Shoes
Primary Content Developer
Creating 3D Scenery for iClone (for iClone 1.5 and above)
  • Determine the appropriate type of environment required for your iClone project.
  • Prepare 3D geometry created in 3DS Max for exporting to iClone.
  • Adjust the position and scale of 3D Scene elements.
  • Export data from 3DS Max and import it into iClone.
Basic Reallusion Member
Using the .VNS Exporter in 3DS Max (for iClone 1.5 and above)
This guide breaks down the features and settings of the .VNS exported as its used from Autodesk 3DS Max.
Basic Reallusion Member
Full version - Max R9 For iClone 2.0 above
Full function and no expiration for 3D Studio Max R9 (32 bit) version.
iClone Primary content developer
Trial version - For iClone 1.5 above
15 days for free trial (Updated on 2006.09.14)
Basic Reallusion Member
Full version - For iClone 1.5 above
Full function and no expiration for 3D Studio Max R7, and R8 version. (Updated on 2006.09.14)
iClone Primary content developer
Trial version - For iClone 1.0
15 days for free trial
Basic Reallusion Member
Full version - For iClone 1.0
Full function and no expiration for 3D Studio Max R6, R7, and R8 version.
iClone Primary content developer
Character Base Models

The Reallusion official iClone character base models will unleash your creativity in producing contents. There are 4 types of character base models from Reallusion: (1) Standard base model; (2) CloneCloth base model (3) CloneBone Character; (4) Character Max Template. Usually, iClone provides basic standard and CloneCloth base models within the program or bonus pack, and developers can purchase additional character bases from the Content Store or Marketplace. In particular, CloneCloth Characters provide dual layers of Cloth mesh: the skin layer and the cloth layer. Simply modify the opacity texture with any image editor and you can design as many different clothing styles as you can imagine.

Submission Type Matrix

Please refer to the matrix below to identify the possible alternatives for submission. There are 4 major types of content for submission: (1) Standard Character; (2) Non-standard Character; (3) Non-human Character; (4) Texture & Outfit. You should select the proper type according to the base models you are using.

Category Character Type Description Required Files
Standard Character
G3/G5 Character

iClone G3/G5 Character is constructed by standard bones in 3ds Max and compatible with all the face and body animation tools with motion library. Developers can choose to modify the texture or the body proportion of the character and save as the iMaterial or iAvatar file for submission.

 

 At least 1 upper material (.iMtl), 1 lower material (.iMtl), 1 shoes material (.iMtl), or 1 character (iAvatar); optional for additional hair (iHair), accessory (iAcc), face (iFace) for the character
Non-Standard Character
3DX Character
Any biped character created from 3rd-party tool in FBX format can be converted as a non-standard character for iClone via 3DXchange. These characters are compatible with all the face and body animation tools with motion library. At least 1 character (iAvatar); optional for additional hair (iHair), accessory (iAcc), face (iFace) for the character
Avatar Toolkit
Avatar Toolkit is a new character composer system from Reallusion which allows any developer to mix and match their own character style for sale. Assemble from the library of puppet-ready components - eyes, eyebrows, ears, tails and fins to easily generate all kinds of wacky creatures. At least 1 skin material (.iMtl), or 1 character (iAvatar); optional for additional hair (iHair), accessory (iAcc), prop (iProp) for the character

 
CloneBone
CloneBone is an universal iClone bone system which you can create custom characters by attaching parts to bones. This way, you can easily build a wide range of character designs such as a robot, a cartoon figure, and a helmeted fighter. At least 1 character (iAvatar); optional for additional accessory (iAcc) or prop (iProp) for the character

 
Non-Human Character
Creature Base or 3DX Character
Any skin bone character created from 3rd-party tool in FBX format can be converted as a non-human character for iClone via 3DXchange. These characters can be animated using IK/FK editors, but not compatible with the universal motion system in iClone. At least 1 creature or character (iAvatar); optional for additional accessory (iAcc) or prop (iProp) for the character

 
Texture & Outfit
G3 CloneCloth
CloneCloth Character provides dual layers of Cloth mesh: the skin layer and the cloth layer. Simply modify the opacity texture with any image editor and users can design as many different clothing styles as they can imagine. Your texture submission should not include the character file (but the base model info should be noted). At least 1 upper material (.iMtl), 1 lower material (.iMtl), 1 shoes material (.iMtl), optional for additional skin material (iMtl) hair (iHair), accessory (iAcc) for the character

 
CloneCloth Tutorials
CloneCloth - Army Fatigues
by Alley		 CloneCloth - Sleeveless & Shorts
by Shygirl		 CloneCloth - Sexy Dress
by Duchess110

Now you’re ready for battle! iClone developer Alley uses the New Look G3 CloneCloth to demonstrate the basics of how to design some stylish camouflage army fatigues for your iClone character.

Do you like short shorts? iClone designer Shygirl can help you design the perfect pair! Check out her tutorial on how to create a costume with a more ‘retro’ feel

Dress your iClone characters to impress by using this thorough guide from iClone developer Duchess. This tutorial demonstrates how to add a bit of a more ‘revealing’ designer twist to your avatar.
View Video View Video View Video
The Procedure to Package Your Texture

Texture submission usually apply to the available characters either inside the program or in Marketplace, so when you submit the texture, especially for CloneCloth, you need to specify the base model in the store backend. As to the submission type of G3/G5 Texture, your character must be disassembled into various kinds of texture like upper body, lower body, shoes, and skin. To clarify your submission process, follow the easy steps below:

Step 1:
 Step 2:



Prepare your complete work and save it as .iAvatar file under the category of "Character". This .iAvatar file is only for verification since this character .iAvatar file won't be included in your pack.

Under "upper body", "lower body", "shoes" tabs (or even "skin"), check the texture channel including Diffuse, Opacity, and save as iMaterial files.
   
Step 3: Step 4:



Then, drag your material files into Content Uploader with your custom thumb. You may also choose to package the seperate material files as a pack or combo item for complete costume delivery.
Before you publish these content items for sales, make sure the target base model can be dressed well with these seperate material files.
   
Step 5:
 Step 6:



Remember to prepare all the commercialized materials like pack image, pack thumb, and promotional images and videos to make your content attractive and ready for sale.
Your Final content pack will look like this. This is the complete page displayed in Reallusion's Content Store. For Description and Layout of your product’s Content Page, See Commercialization Guide