@Dr-Sassi

Here is the file with the Matrix between,
I sped it up so you don't waste too much time (60 seconds)

Okay, I see now. You are using the Particle Cache as the source for the Matrix Object, then using the Matrix Object as the source for the Clone and this works on all levels (instance, render instance, multi instance)

I'm sure you checked with the render farm that the abc file is in the folder with your c4d file, correct?

I have yes. It is 100% in the folder with the Cinema 4D project file. I have tried this both by erasing the path and with the Save Projects with Assets command. In both instances the command line render cannot find the Alembic File. I am sure this could be recreated using the Windows/Mac command line render to reproduce the issue. If it is not working on the Linux version, I bet it's not working on all command line versions.

My idea about the Instance not rendering with an abc cache is based on missing data (best guess and my lead to explore an object between that might help here.). The Matrix can generate that missing "whatever, " so I suggested it.

I checked both 2024.4 and 2024.5, and the results were the same.

Thank you I will try this today, my fear is that the Matrix object will also not be able to find the Particle path.

I will file a report, hence my more extended exploration into that, to exclude anything that works. The abc file is the current suspect. But I let the developer decide that.

Thank you for doing this.

If you would like, check with tech support to get a second opinion; sometimes they have solved it already and can give you a quick answer.

https://www.maxon.net/en/support-center

I will do this as my next step.

@Dr-Sassi thank you for looking into this, two points of concern and then two questions for you.

areas of concern:

• the original set up I sent you DOES work to render to the local picture viewer when you use multi instance (instead of instance). this of course creates limitations of it's own and it would be nice to use instance or render instance. your matrix solve does seem to work (question on that below)

• the second problem returns me back to my issue of relative paths NOT working in C4D 2024.4 when it comes to the cached particles. it WILL work locally when using C4D, but when I send to the farm the command line render CANNOT find the cache file for the particles. see the linked screen grab: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tlsxznwfntrw57rt8rs9e/chrome_nWf3sa0fy9.png?rlkey=n2845fs2jv79vkjpujzfbe42j&dl=0

questions:

• what exactly is happening in that solve? why on earth does the matrix object solve that problem? this is completely over my head as to why that would work in this fashion?

• In release 2024.5 it mentions under Exchange formats: Options added to use custom Alembic export settings for the baking. What are those new custom Alembic export settings and could they potentially solve my problem? I might update to see - but being as we are a studio it requires me to update the local distributions of C4D + the render farm distributions on the Linux side which I would only like to do with more information.

thanks again for your help! as always I am just hoping this is user error

I think I may have solved my own issue here, the clone needs to be set to multi instance vs instance. Will send to the farm and see if this solves both issues.

@Dr-Sassi have you rendered to the picture viewer or just the IPR? The problem I am having is that the clones are not rendering to the Picture Viewer.

further to my thread from last night:
https://cineversity.forums.maxon.net/topic/1257/cached-particles-not-found-by-render-farm?_=1721892612890

now sent from the "official account". I am finding that I cannot get clones to render at all, either on the farm or in the local picture viewer. they do however render in the RS IPR.

have I done something wrong (very basic scene here)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/gzo2fsqixbvnuj2j9y386/AAxPASfA2d0ZdsExUDPgXec?rlkey=3ep7abkp81e1zx4ay603hhm6e&dl=0