---
title: "Plugins"
url: "https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/5687.html"
section_path: "Extensions menu > Plug-ins"
description: "Plug-ins are auxiliary modules that extend the function range of a program. In Cinema 4D, plug-ins are able, for example, to automate particular …"
---

# Plug-ins

> **Tip:** Tip:See also this [tip](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/6193.html.md).

Plug-ins are auxiliary modules that extend the function range of a program. In Cinema 4D, plug-ins are able, for example, to automate particular functions, to make new tools available (perhaps for modeling or animation), to add new import and export filters or to add new [shaders](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/5812.html.md).

Plug-ins can be created in many different ways. SDKs (Software Development Kits) are available in the following languages:

- Python script languages
- C++

Information and support can be found exclusively at http://developers.maxon.net

> **Tip:** Plug-ins can be developed freely by anyone and offered for sale. However, , as the manufacturer of Cinema 4D, has no influence on the quality of these plug-ins and you should assure yourself as to the value-for-money and usefulness of a plug-in before purchase.\
> We give as much support as possible to all vendors and developers of plug-ins — however, if a problem should arise with one of these products, please contact the manufacturer of the plug-in directly. Please understand that can give no information on, or provide technical support for, products from other manufacturers.

As already mentioned, plug-ins can solve many diverse tasks and therefore, after installation, your new plug-in may appear in different places within the Cinema 4D menu structure. Please always consult the vendor's documentation that was supplied with your plug-in. If there is no special information to be found in the help, a plug-in will usually be found on the Plugins menu.

> **Tip:** You cannot add new plug-ins while Cinema 4D is running, Instead, quit Cinema 4D first, then install the plug-ins. When you next start Cinema 4D, the plug-ins will load automatically.

Execute Last Plugin

This command gives you a quick way to call the last plug-in used, especially if you assign a shortcut to this command using the Command manager.

Reload Python Plugins

With these commands, existing Python plug-ins, respectively, can be reloaded (from the corresponding directories). Hence, if you have made a modification to the plug-in's source code, the plug-in can be reloaded without having to restart Cinema 4D.

Export Licensing Overview...

This command is important if you want to buy a third-party plug-in.

Calling up this command will create a **ExportedLicensingOverview.json** file in your documents folder (Cinema 4D will automatically open the Explorer/Finder at this location).

This file contains information about your Cinema 4D licenses in conjunction with your user account (these files are secure and cannot be used by third-parties).

Using this information, plug-in developers can connect their plug-ins with your licenses and ascertain for which and how many products the plug-in can be made available.

This file should be sent to the plug-in developer when purchasing a plug-in.

This is, of course, only necessary if the plug-in developer licenses their products accordingly. This is not the case for independent plug-in developers.

Plugins

Displays a list of any plug-ins that have been installed.