Documentation

Asset Management Fundamentals — Seamless Connection with External Modeling Software

In the SuperStage and underlying Unreal Engine (UE) workflow, asset management is a crucial link. This tutorial will detail how to efficiently and seamlessly import models from external 3D modeling software (using Cinema 4D as an example) into your project.

We will explore the traditional FBX import method, as well as how to leverage the powerful Datasmith plugin to achieve file-level synchronization and Direct Link real-time sync.

Preparation

  • Engine Environment: SuperStage runtime environment based on Unreal Engine (video demonstration based on UE 5.x version).
  • External Modeling Software: Cinema 4D (C4D) 2025.1.3 (if you use 3ds Max, SketchUp, or Rhino, the process is largely similar).
  • Core Plugin: Unreal Datasmith Plugin.

Part 1: Download & Install Datasmith Plugin

To achieve seamless interoperability between modeling software and the engine, we need to install the corresponding Datasmith export plugin for the external modeling software.

1. Download the Plugin

  1. Visit the Unreal Engine official website.
  2. Find Features -> Pipeline Integration -> Datasmith in the top navigation bar.
  3. Find the Seamless Data Translation area and click to enter the Datasmith export plugin download page.
  4. In the list, select the modeling software you are using (such as Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, SketchUp, etc.) and download the plugin for the corresponding UE version.
    • Note: When downloading the C4D plugin, it may redirect to the Maxon website and require login. Be sure to verify that the plugin version matches your C4D version (e.g., 2025.3.0) and UE version (e.g., 5.5).

2. Plugin Installation & Path Troubleshooting (C4D Example)

When installing the Datasmith plugin, you may encounter issues where it cannot be installed directly to C4D’s default path. Follow these steps for manual configuration:

  1. Run the downloaded installer; if it prompts a path error, choose to install directly to a temporary or default Epic Games directory.
  2. After installation, go to that default installation path (e.g., C:\Program Files\Epic Games\...\Plugins or another drive path you specified) and find the folder named Unreal Direct Link.
  3. Cut the Unreal Direct Link folder.
  4. Go to your C4D’s actual installation directory and find the plugins folder.
  5. Paste the Unreal Direct Link folder into C4D’s plugins directory.
  6. Restart C4D. If you see the Unreal Direct Link option in the “Extensions” menu in the top menu bar, the installation was successful.

Part 2: Enable Datasmith in the Engine

After configuring the external software, we need to ensure that SuperStage (UE) has the receiving capability enabled internally.

  1. Open your SuperStage project.
  2. Select Edit -> Plugins in the top menu bar.
  3. Type Datasmith in the search box.
  4. Find and check Datasmith C4D Importer (or the Importer corresponding to your software) along with the core Datasmith plugin.
  5. When prompted to restart the engine, save the level and restart.
    • Note: Typically, the engine will automatically load the relevant plugin when you perform a Datasmith import operation in the scene.

Part 3: Comparison & Hands-On of Three Model Import Methods

This is the most basic import method but has obvious axis defects in practical development.

  • Operation: After building the model in C4D, directly export it as .fbx format. Drag the exported file into SuperStage’s Content Browser.
  • Fatal Flaw: After importing into UE, the model’s pivot point (Pivot Point) will default to align with the C4D scene’s world origin (0,0,0), not the model’s own center point. This means that if you moved the model’s position in C4D, when you select the model in UE, its pivot point will deviate from the model body, greatly affecting subsequent asset arrangement and operations.

Method 2: Datasmith File Export (.udatasmith)

Using Datasmith format can perfectly solve the pivot point loss problem.

  1. Select the model in C4D, click Extensions -> Unreal Direct Link -> Export File.
  2. Save the file in .udatasmith format (this will simultaneously generate a same-name folder for storing textures and other assets).
  3. Back in SuperStage (UE), click the “Quickly Add to Project” button on the viewport toolbar (the cube icon with a plus sign).
  4. Select Datasmith -> File Import.
  5. Select the .udatasmith file you just exported, choose a folder location to store it, and confirm.
  • Advantage: After import, regardless of the model’s position in C4D, its pivot point in UE is accurately maintained at the model’s own center position. It also automatically generates a corresponding model group (Group).

This is the most commonly used and most efficient method in daily work, supporting simultaneous modeling adjustments and real-time preview of results in the engine.

  1. In C4D, click Extensions -> Unreal Direct Link -> Direct Link Auto Sync (enable real-time sync).
  2. In SuperStage (UE), click “Quickly Add to Project” -> Datasmith -> Direct Link Import.
  3. In the popup window, the system will automatically recognize the currently running C4D source. Select it and click “Choose.”
  4. Specify the save path within the engine (it is recommended to create a dedicated folder to prevent asset chaos).
  5. After clicking confirm, the model will instantly sync into the engine. Subsequently, any modifications in C4D will be reflected in the SuperStage scene in near real-time.

Troubleshooting

Problem: After importing a model via Datasmith, selecting the model shows no transform gizmo (Transform Gizmo disappears). What should I do?

Answer: This is an occasional minor bug in the Datasmith plugin. Solution:

  1. Press Ctrl + S to save the current level.
  2. Close the SuperStage (UE) Editor.
  3. Reopen the project; the transform gizmo should return to normal display.