In Corona, proxies do not improve rendering time or quality in any way – otherwise, all scene objects would be converted to proxies internally, right before the rendering starts. Proxies are useful for keeping smooth viewport performance while handling large numbers of high-poly objects in the scene. They also help keep scenes more lightweight, since only simple proxy objects are included in the scene file and the actual objects are loaded from a different location, or even a different hard drive.
1. To save an existing object/objects as Corona Proxy:
Either:
- Go to Corona > Corona Proxy, and create the proxy object anywhere in the scene. Then, in its settings, select "Pick from scene", and pick the object, which should be turned into a proxy. If your object has multiple parts and grouped in a null object, be sure to enable ''Include Children''.
Or
- Go to File > Export > Corona Proxy (*.cgeo). This will save the current selection as a single proxy, or as separate proxies, depending on the chosen options.
2. To load a previously saved object as Corona Proxy:
Go to Corona > Corona Proxy, and create the proxy object anywhere in the scene. Then load a previously saved .cgeo file using the "..." button next to "Proxy file".
Note: Alternatively, you can also use the dedicated toolbar button.
Scale:
Scaling a proxy is now also possible when in Cinema 4D's ''object mode'' using the scale tool. This can also be done from within the Corona Proxy object itself. The Units settings allow you to change the scale of the proxy to match your projects working scale. In most cases, leaving it to ''Auto'' will acknowledge your projects scale and adapt to it.
Visualization Method:
Imported proxies can be displayed in the viewport in various ways to further reduce viewport lagging and also to help keep your scene from appearing cluttered. In the ''Point Cloud'' mode, you can fine-tune the level of visibility by increasing or decreasing the ''Point Cloud Displayed'' percentage.
See also: Corona Proxy at Chaos Docs