The iClone Plugin Marketplace, launched by Reallusion, represents a dedicated online library for add-ons designed to enhance the iClone character animation software. At the time of the source documentation, the marketplace featured seven distinct plugins available for download at no cost. These tools range from utilities like a batch render manager to new rigging and camera animation tools. The availability of these free plugins is directly linked to the introduction of the Python API within iClone 7.4, which was released to allow users to modify the software's functionality. The marketplace itself evolved from the iClone Open support program, which was intended to assist developers in writing custom plugins. The tools currently available in the marketplace are the original example plugins from that program, which were previously hosted on GitHub.
Overview of Available Free Plugins
The iClone Plugin Marketplace offers specific tools designed to streamline workflow and expand capabilities within the software. Based on the documentation, the following free plugins were available:
- Group Manager: A utility that creates a hierarchy for organizing scene objects.
- Batch Render Folder: A tool that automatically renders projects in a specified directory to video.
These plugins require iClone 7.4 to function. The software itself is available for 64-bit Windows 7 and newer operating systems. New licenses for iClone cost $199.
System Requirements and Additional Costs
While the plugins are free, users must possess a licensed copy of the requisite software. The documentation specifies that all plugins require iClone 7.4. Furthermore, to exchange data between iClone and other DCC (Digital Content Creation) applications, such as exporting OBJ or FBX files, users need the add-on tool 3DXChange. This tool is not free and costs $199 for the Pro edition and $499 for the Pipeline edition.
Historical Context of iClone Freebies
Beyond the current plugin marketplace, the source material references historical free offers for iClone software. In the past, specifically in 2012, Reallusion distributed iClone 4 Pro for free for a limited time. This offer required users to register their copy to become Premium members and access bonus downloads. The serial number for this offer was available through specific promotional pages, such as one hosted on the Reallusion website (www.reallusion.com/event/iclone4pro/3dtotal.aspx) or included on the cover of 3DArtist issue 59.
Limitations of Older Versions
Discussions regarding the free version of iClone 4 Pro highlighted specific limitations, particularly concerning content interoperability. Users noted that while iClone 4 was functional for its own included and marketplace content, importing static models via 3DXChange was possible. However, animated FBX import was limited to props and non-in-house animated figures, with only keyframed rotations possible. Retargeting and using iClone motions on other figures were not supported, meaning Daz figures could only be added as animated props.
Accessing Free Content and Digital Assets
The source material also references other sources for free digital content related to iClone. For example, a free iClone prop titled "Abandoned Ship" was released in January 2017, available for iClone 5.51 or above. Additionally, the Daz 3D platform is mentioned as a source where users have seen iClone content in free sections. The Daz store includes a "Freebies" section, though the specific availability of iClone content within that section is not detailed in the provided text.
Installation of Content
The process of installing content for iClone is a query raised by users. While the specific step-by-step installation instructions are not provided in the source data, the existence of a "Freebies" section in the Daz store and the availability of prop freebies like the "Abandoned Ship" indicate that content distribution does occur. The "Abandoned Ship" freebie specifies a content type of "iClone Prop."
Pricing and Ecosystem Considerations
Users discussing the iClone ecosystem have noted that beyond the software license, additional costs are often necessary to maximize utility. One user mentioned the need to purchase 3DXChange, costing between $200 and $300, to effectively utilize imported content. The documentation confirms that 3DXChange is required for data exchange with other DCC applications.
Versioning
The source material references older versions of the software, noting that iClone 4 was available as a free offer, while version 5 was out at the time of the discussion, and version 6 was upcoming. This indicates a continuous development cycle for the software, with new versions potentially altering the availability or compatibility of free plugins and content.
Summary of Free Offer Availability
The primary free offers detailed in the source material are the seven plugins in the iClone Plugin Marketplace and the historical iClone 4 Pro giveaway. The plugins are verified as free downloads requiring iClone 7.4. The iClone 4 Pro giveaway required registration and was time-limited. Other free assets, such as the "Abandoned Ship" prop, are distributed through specific release announcements. The reliability of information regarding free content varies; the Plugin Marketplace is an official source, whereas forum posts regarding the "Abandoned Ship" and Daz freebies are user-generated reports.
Conclusion
The iClone Plugin Marketplace serves as the official channel for accessing free plugins developed via the Python API in iClone 7.4. These tools, including Group Manager and Batch Render Folder, are available at no cost but require a valid license of the software. Historical free offers, such as iClone 4 Pro, required registration during specific promotional periods. Users seeking free content must also consider the costs of necessary add-ons like 3DXChange for data exchange and the compatibility requirements of specific asset versions.