Skip to main content
Glama

Dump Shader Tree

dump_shader
Read-only

Recursively convert a classical Cinema 4D shader into JSON, listing node types, bitmap paths, and linked shaders. Set recursion depth for desired detail.

Instructions

Recursively dump a shader (resolved from a handle) into JSON. Classical materials only — node materials (Standard node space / Redshift / etc.) expose their shading as a maxon node graph; use list_graph_nodes / apply_graph_description for those instead. Captures type_id / type_name / name per node; promotes c4d.Xbitmap paths to a "file" field; heuristically surfaces image-like strings hiding in other shader BaseContainers as "file_candidates"; and expands shader links stored inside the container as "linked_shaders" (the shape used by Fusion / Colorizer whose internals don't appear via GetDown). Pair with list_entities kind=shader to discover shader handles.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
handleYesC4D entity handle. Shapes: {kind:"object",name?|path?}, {kind:"render_data",name}, {kind:"take",name}, {kind:"material",name}, {kind:"layer",name}, {kind:"tag",object?|object_path?,type_id?,tag_name?}, {kind:"video_post",render_data,type_id}, {kind:"shader",owner:<handle>,index}, {kind:"gv_node",tag:<tag handle>,id?|name?} (Xpresso GvNode; use list_xpresso_nodes to discover stable path ids — GvNode inherits BaseList2D so set_params/get_params/describe work on it), {kind:"plugin_options",plugin_id,plugin_type?} (plugin_id accepts an int or a format alias like "abc"/"fbx"/"obj"/"usd"/"gltf"; plugin_type defaults to "scene_saver"; resolves to the plugin's settings BaseList2D — describe+set_params it to configure exporter options before save_document). Prefer `path` over `name` when names are not unique. For this tool, pass a shader handle such as {kind:"shader", owner:<material handle>, index:0}.
max_depthNoMaximum recursion depth (default 5). 0 returns only the root node.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.

  1. Changed2 schema fields changedv0.4.3
    • changedInput schema / definitions / __schema0 / anyOf
      Previous value: -[
      -  {
      -    "properties": {
      -      "kind": {
      -        "const": "object",
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "name": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "path": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      }
      -    },
      -    "required": [
      -      "kind"
      -    ],
      -    "type": "object"
      -  },
      -  {
      -    "properties": {
      -      "kind": {
      -        "const": "render_data",
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "name": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      }
      -    },
      -    "required": [
      -      "kind",
      -      "name"
      -    ],
      -    "type": "object"
      -  },
      -  {
      -    "properties": {
      -      "kind": {
      -        "const": "take",
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "name": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      }
      -    },
      -    "required": [
      -      "kind",
      -      "name"
      -    ],
      -    "type": "object"
      -  },
      -  {
      -    "properties": {
      -      "kind": {
      -        "const": "material",
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "name": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      }
      -    },
      -    "required": [
      -      "kind",
      -      "name"
      -    ],
      -    "type": "object"
      -  },
      -  {
      -    "properties": {
      -      "kind": {
      -        "const": "tag",
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "object": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "object_path": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "tag_name": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "type_id": {
      -        "maximum": 9007199254740991,
      -        "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      -        "type": "integer"
      -      }
      -    },
      -    "required": [
      -      "kind"
      -    ],
      -    "type": "object"
      -  },
      -  {
      -    "properties": {
      -      "kind": {
      -        "const": "video_post",
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "render_data": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "type_id": {
      -        "maximum": 9007199254740991,
      -        "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      -        "type": "integer"
      -      }
      -    },
      -    "required": [
      -      "kind",
      -      "render_data",
      -      "type_id"
      -    ],
      -    "type": "object"
      -  },
      -  {
      -    "properties": {
      -      "index": {
      -        "maximum": 9007199254740991,
      -        "minimum": 0,
      -        "type": "integer"
      -      },
      -      "kind": {
      -        "const": "shader",
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "name": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "owner": {
      -        "allOf": [
      -          {
      -            "$ref": "#/definitions/__schema0"
      -          }
      -        ]
      -      }
      -    },
      -    "required": [
      -      "kind",
      -      "owner"
      -    ],
      -    "type": "object"
      -  },
      -  {
      -    "properties": {
      -      "id": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "kind": {
      -        "const": "gv_node",
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "name": {
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "tag": {
      -        "allOf": [
      -          {
      -            "$ref": "#/definitions/__schema0"
      -          }
      -        ]
      -      }
      -    },
      -    "required": [
      -      "kind",
      -      "tag"
      -    ],
      -    "type": "object"
      -  },
      -  {
      -    "properties": {
      -      "kind": {
      -        "const": "plugin_options",
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "plugin_id": {
      -        "anyOf": [
      -          {
      -            "maximum": 9007199254740991,
      -            "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      -            "type": "integer"
      -          },
      -          {
      -            "type": "string"
      -          }
      -        ]
      -      },
      -      "plugin_type": {
      -        "enum": [
      -          "command",
      -          "object",
      -          "tag",
      -          "material",
      -          "shader",
      -          "video_post",
      -          "scene_loader",
      -          "scene_saver",
      -          "bitmap_loader",
      -          "bitmap_saver",
      -          "tool",
      -          "preference",
      -          "node",
      -          "sculpt_brush"
      -        ],
      -        "type": "string"
      -      }
      -    },
      -    "required": [
      -      "kind",
      -      "plugin_id"
      -    ],
      -    "type": "object"
      -  }
      -]New value: +[
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "kind": {
      +        "const": "object",
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "name": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "path": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "required": [
      +      "kind"
      +    ],
      +    "type": "object"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "kind": {
      +        "const": "render_data",
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "name": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "required": [
      +      "kind",
      +      "name"
      +    ],
      +    "type": "object"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "kind": {
      +        "const": "take",
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "name": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "required": [
      +      "kind",
      +      "name"
      +    ],
      +    "type": "object"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "kind": {
      +        "const": "material",
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "name": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "required": [
      +      "kind",
      +      "name"
      +    ],
      +    "type": "object"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "kind": {
      +        "const": "layer",
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "name": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "required": [
      +      "kind",
      +      "name"
      +    ],
      +    "type": "object"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "kind": {
      +        "const": "tag",
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "object": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "object_path": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "tag_name": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "type_id": {
      +        "maximum": 9007199254740991,
      +        "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      +        "type": "integer"
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "required": [
      +      "kind"
      +    ],
      +    "type": "object"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "kind": {
      +        "const": "video_post",
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "render_data": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "type_id": {
      +        "maximum": 9007199254740991,
      +        "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      +        "type": "integer"
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "required": [
      +      "kind",
      +      "render_data",
      +      "type_id"
      +    ],
      +    "type": "object"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "index": {
      +        "maximum": 9007199254740991,
      +        "minimum": 0,
      +        "type": "integer"
      +      },
      +      "kind": {
      +        "const": "shader",
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "name": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "owner": {
      +        "allOf": [
      +          {
      +            "$ref": "#/definitions/__schema0"
      +          }
      +        ]
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "required": [
      +      "kind",
      +      "owner"
      +    ],
      +    "type": "object"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "id": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "kind": {
      +        "const": "gv_node",
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "name": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "tag": {
      +        "allOf": [
      +          {
      +            "$ref": "#/definitions/__schema0"
      +          }
      +        ]
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "required": [
      +      "kind",
      +      "tag"
      +    ],
      +    "type": "object"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "kind": {
      +        "const": "plugin_options",
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "plugin_id": {
      +        "anyOf": [
      +          {
      +            "maximum": 9007199254740991,
      +            "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      +            "type": "integer"
      +          },
      +          {
      +            "type": "string"
      +          }
      +        ]
      +      },
      +      "plugin_type": {
      +        "enum": [
      +          "command",
      +          "object",
      +          "tag",
      +          "material",
      +          "shader",
      +          "video_post",
      +          "scene_loader",
      +          "scene_saver",
      +          "bitmap_loader",
      +          "bitmap_saver",
      +          "tool",
      +          "preference",
      +          "node",
      +          "sculpt_brush"
      +        ],
      +        "type": "string"
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "required": [
      +      "kind",
      +      "plugin_id"
      +    ],
      +    "type": "object"
      +  }
      +]
    • changedInput schema / properties / handle / description
      Previous value: -"C4D entity handle. Shapes: {kind:\"object\",name?|path?}, {kind:\"render_data\",name}, {kind:\"take\",name}, {kind:\"material\",name}, {kind:\"tag\",object?|object_path?,type_id?,tag_name?}, {kind:\"video_post\",render_data,type_id}, {kind:\"shader\",owner:<handle>,index}, {kind:\"gv_node\",tag:<tag handle>,id?|name?} (Xpresso GvNode; use list_xpresso_nodes to discover stable path ids — GvNode inherits BaseList2D so set_params/get_params/describe work on it), {kind:\"plugin_options\",plugin_id,plugin_type?} (plugin_id accepts an int or a format alias like \"abc\"/\"fbx\"/\"obj\"/\"usd\"/\"gltf\"; plugin_type defaults to \"scene_saver\"; resolves to the plugin's settings BaseList2D — describe+set_params it to configure exporter options before save_document). Prefer `path` over `name` when names are not unique. For this tool, pass a shader handle such as {kind:\"shader\", owner:<material handle>, index:0}."New value: +"C4D entity handle. Shapes: {kind:\"object\",name?|path?}, {kind:\"render_data\",name}, {kind:\"take\",name}, {kind:\"material\",name}, {kind:\"layer\",name}, {kind:\"tag\",object?|object_path?,type_id?,tag_name?}, {kind:\"video_post\",render_data,type_id}, {kind:\"shader\",owner:<handle>,index}, {kind:\"gv_node\",tag:<tag handle>,id?|name?} (Xpresso GvNode; use list_xpresso_nodes to discover stable path ids — GvNode inherits BaseList2D so set_params/get_params/describe work on it), {kind:\"plugin_options\",plugin_id,plugin_type?} (plugin_id accepts an int or a format alias like \"abc\"/\"fbx\"/\"obj\"/\"usd\"/\"gltf\"; plugin_type defaults to \"scene_saver\"; resolves to the plugin's settings BaseList2D — describe+set_params it to configure exporter options before save_document). Prefer `path` over `name` when names are not unique. For this tool, pass a shader handle such as {kind:\"shader\", owner:<material handle>, index:0}."
  2. First observedv0.3.1

TDQS

A4.3/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Beyond readOnlyHint, description details output transformations (type_id, type_name, name, file, file_candidates, linked_shaders) and explains why Fusion/Colorizer shaders need this tool. Adds substantial context without contradicting annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Dense but focused: purpose, scope restriction, output details, and discovery tip in ~120 words. Front-loaded with clear purpose, each sentence earns its place, though slightly long for a simple tool.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With no output schema, description compensates by enumerating captured fields and scope restrictions. Covers recursion depth and handle requirements, making it sufficiently complete for an agent to call correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% with detailed descriptions for both handle and max_depth. The description adds no new parameter syntax, only contextual usage tips, so baseline 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States explicit verb and resource: 'Recursively dump a shader into JSON'. Distinguishes from siblings by mentioning node materials are handled elsewhere, making scope unambiguous.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly states 'Classical materials only' and directs to list_graph_nodes/apply_graph_description for node materials. Also advises pairing with list_entities to discover handles, covering when and how to use.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/kumoproductions/mcp-cinema4d'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server