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Cinema 4D
Professional 3D Animation Software
4.6
(131)
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Cinema 4D Reviews & Product Details

Cinema 4D Overview
What is Cinema 4D?

Cinema 4D is a platform for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering often used by graphic designers, game developers, as well as motion graphics artists. Top features include polygon modeling, particle effects, character animation, and advanced lighting tools that allow designers to create high-quality 3D content for different industries.

Company Maxon Computer GmbH
Year founded 1986
Company size 201-500 employees
Headquarters Friedrichsdorf, Hesse, Germany
Social Media
Ask Questions about Cinema 4D
What Cinema 4D is best for?
What are the best alternatives to Cinema 4D?
What are the pros and cons of Cinema 4D?
Cinema 4D Product Details
Segment
Small Business
Mid Market
Enterprise
Deployment Cloud / SaaS / Web-Based, Desktop Mac, Desktop Windows
Training Documentation
Languages English
Cinema 4D Features
3D Sculpting
AR Support
Animation
Automated Rendering
Camera Controls
Collaboration Tools
Customizable Brushes
Import/Export Options
Layer Management
Lighting
Mesh Modeling
Motion Capture
Multi-Viewport
NURBS Modeling
Object Library
PBR Materials
Parametric Modeling
Physics Simulation
Plugin Support
Real-Time Editing
Rendering
Rendering Farm Support
Scene Management
Scripting/Automation
Solid Modeling
Subdivision Surfaces
Surface Modeling
Texture Mapping
UV Unwrapping
VR Support
Cinema 4D Media
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Cinema 4D Screenshots
Disclaimer
Our research is curated from diverse authoritative sources and meant to offer general advice. We don’t guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each use-case, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services. Feel free to share your feedback.
Last updated: November 24, 2024
Cinema 4D Logo
131 Cinema 4D Reviews
4.6 out of 5
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Apr 23, 2016
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.0
Timothée S. avatar
Timothée S.
Design Intern
Share
"Fast & Intuitive, that's the kind of software I like to use !"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

What I like the best about Cinema 4D is its intuitivity, and the fact that even if you're a beginner you can create cool things very quickly. C4D is one of the first 3D Softwares I learned and I still like to work with this one again sometimes. This software made me like 3D modelling. I really appreciate the ease of the modelling tools even if some of them are not that intuitive. With a good display & processor, you will love C4D (at least I hope so :) )

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

It's not made for Windows; so we can't use it at work. It is the only bad thing I could say about this software. Of course every little detail could be improved like V-ray compatibility, the UV Mapping, and some of the modeling tools which I use a lot actually.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

In terms of business, not that much, but for a personal use I really had fun :) I think that C4D helped me enjoying 3D Modelling, that's why I would recommand it!

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Apr 19, 2016
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.0
Haiden G. avatar
Haiden G.
Designer
Share
"Cinema 4D is a comprehensive, well developed, cohesive set of tools that make motion graphics easy."
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

I like the integration of animation workflow, with basic rendering that is needed for product shots.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

I do not like the enormous toolkit that takes time to understand.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

Showcasing new design solutions that we come up with, in an agency setting.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Oct 05, 2019
 Source
Overall Rating:
3.5
LB
Lucas B.
Lucas B
Share
"Very complicated at first but gets easier as you go"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

This is an amazing tool for an imaginary person, if you can't think good enough for a scene this application gives you zero help. But on the other hand with Cinema 4D you can make the most good looking scenes for any use you want. You want a nice scene for your small indie game? try this! You want to create a world from your imagination? Then use this!

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

Honestly the bad things about this program are just because of your lack of imagination, the tools are perfectly placed. The only thing I can think of is just I wish there would have been more courses to learn this program.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

I can create my own world! what more can I say honestly?

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Jan 12, 2018
 Source
Overall Rating:
3.5
Mike S. avatar
Mike S.
Owner/Operator
Share
"Great 3D app, easier for a beginner than others"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

I like the user interface better than others out there like Maya. I like the intergration with Adobe After Effects to help implement 3D designs into my video work.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

The camera tracker via Cineware should import the video file After Effects into the 3D scene in Cinema4D. Makes the placing of objects guess work as to the position in your comp. I really wish that C4D could be manipulated directly in After Effects, using C4D as the modelling software and the engine behind the scnese.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

3D modelling and animation for video.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Apr 13, 2016
 Source
Overall Rating:
3.5
RP
Ryan P.
Senior Mentor
Share
"An extremely powerful 3D program packed into one tight little package"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

Cinema 4D is an extremely powerful all-inclusive 3D program. While it may not be considered industry standard for the large scale video game and film industries, it is highly regarded among freelancers and small production studios. Cinema gives you the ability to model, rig, animate, simulate, and render all within the same program. There are many advanced features such as sculpting and uvw unwrapping as well. One of the most attractive features of Cinema 4D is the intuitiveness and interface. I have used other 3D programs such as Blender, 3DS Max, and Maya, all of which have a very confusing interface. Cinema lays everything out clearly and makes it easy to find what you are looking for. Maxon is constantly updating their software, so you can be sure that you are getting up to date software and that any bugs will be quickly fixed. All in all, Cinema 4D is a wonderful product, and the sheer power is astounding. There are countless ways to use the software, and you can use it to generate beautiful animations and stunning images.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

Cinema has one of the highest learning curves of any software I have every used. I have mentioned before that the interface is intuitive and easy to use. This is true, up to a point. Getting the basics down are easy, but Cinema is such a dense program that it can take a while to learn all of the intricacies. Some of the advanced features, like X-Particles and the physical camera, are extremely complicated and hard to delve into. The constant updates is also a double edged sword. It is good that the company is on top of the game, but new versions being released so quickly means that your version may quickly become obsolete. They phase in and out different features of the program fairly regularly, so you may have to constantly re-learn the software. In addition, it may be pricey to keep up to date.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

Cinema is great for quick and dirty animation. We had a CAD model drawn in Autodesk Inventor, and wanted to make a 3D animated presentation. It was very easy to import the CAD model, define the individual pieces, set up restraints, and animate.

Mid Market (51-1000 emp.)
Apr 04, 2023
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"This is the go to product for all your motion graphics & solid surface modeling needs."
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

As a power user of this software since R15 - this is hands down the best software package for all things motion graphics, to creating and preparing lightweight solid & organic models for interactive / AR / VR experiences. Along with valuable software integrations and plugins, C4D will be the best tool for an agile visual graphics workflow.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

What I dislike the most about C4D is how Maxon has changed their pricing to a subscription model as of 2019(?) for new releases - it doesn't impact my day to day work too much, but I miss the days when perpetual licenses were a thing.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

C4D is my daily driver when it comes to all things 3D, be it for traditional motion graphics workflows - or using the amazing hard surface / organic modeling features to create models that can be exported into other software like Unity, Unreal Engine, or into other 3D programs like VRED or Maya. C4D is my trusty hammer, and I wouldn't switch to anything else.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Aug 25, 2020
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"Whether you're doing Motion Graphics or VFX, Cinema 4D is for you"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

Compared to other 3D programs I've used, Cinema 4D's user interface is much easier to get around in. The menu system is organized well and I spend less time looking for tools than I do in programs like Maya. Cinema 4D is my go to software for 3D motion graphics. The camera tracker is top notch in cinema, it has solved scenes I have struggled to get results from both Nuke and Boujou before.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

I prefer the physics solver in other softwares like Maya and Houdini, but Cinema's systems have improved greatly since when I first started messing around with it in 2013. For any sort of simulation I go to Houdini.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

Currently I am not having any issues with Cinema. Recently I have been rendering volumes, so utilizing Cinema 4D and Redshift has been a tremendous time saver. I never touch the default render engine anymore, but using Cinema and Redshift combined is an absolute dream.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Jul 16, 2020
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"C4D review - Amazing Software"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

Cinema 4D is one of the best 3D software packages I have used. I like the ease of use with Cinema 4D, the software allows users to really jump in and start creating amazing content with a wide variety of tools. The provided support documentation is also another standout feature witch is integrated into the interface. I like the Cineversity content and training which is available to subscription users as well, this is a great model which few other platforms handle so well. I also find the latest additions to the rendering options to be quite intriguing, with the newly acquired redshift render now as an option to purchase along with the base subscription, users can try their hand at a GPU based rendering workflow which is completely different than what C4D has traditionally offered. I look forward to great things ahead with Cinema 4D.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

I wish Cinema 4D had a larger user base, and more native content was available. I am constantly converting files from other 3D platforms/ formats to use with C4D, it would be nice to have access to more native content. This would speed up my workflow tremendously. There are a few modeling and texturing features which would be nice to have included in the next update for a better match to other software capabilities.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

I use Cinema 4D to create 3D visualizations, the software allows me to quickly visualize ideas and bring them to life to help clients realize my team's creative vision.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Jun 12, 2019
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"My experience with cinema 4D."
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

I think, they create very good work environment.For me was the most helpful tools.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

I dislike their price, because product is so expensive, I think.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

I create my own animations in cinema 4D.Benefits are really fast render and simple tools.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Feb 02, 2019
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"Realistic 3D that's worth the effort."
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

How real your work looks in this software. It truly is amazing.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

It tales awhile to learn this software, but its definitely worth it.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

It adds extra to my websites that make them look a lot better.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Feb 15, 2018
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"Love the user interface but some building processes are a bit weak"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

I love how easy it is to create 3D animations with high quality textures, it truly lets creativity go free when a software doesn't get in the way of the user.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

I wish there would be a huge library of pre made high quality textures that everyone uses. Not like 5 or 10, I mean hundreds. This would make the app so incredibly better than any other 3D app in my opinion. I'd be able to create a 3D model in a matter of minutes, apply a really good brick texture preset to the wall, a really good wood floor texture to the floors etc...All that without having to spend extra or download lots of textures from random people online.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

It allows me to create 3D animations and visuals quickly and efficiently, with a user interface focused on content creation more than 3D design or engineering like SolidWorks or 3DS

Mid Market (51-1000 emp.)
Dec 13, 2017
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"Great 3D tool especially for motion graphics"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

It's the best tool to integrate 3d elements in motion graphics work in After Effects

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

keyframing and the timeline could be a bit more intuitive

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

It's a great generalist tool for all 3d needs

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Oct 26, 2017
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"Best Fast 3D software"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

I like that C4D has absorbed all elements from other programs to create a full software package that can do everything- sculpt, paint, animate, and easily export to compositing software like AE.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

C4D does lack some abilities that in depth specific software can create - for example Zbrush is still better for sculpting and AE is still needed to composite shots. C4D would be better if it had more options built into it.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

I create sick looking motion gfx and I do it quickly unlike on other programs like Maya that take forever to work in.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Oct 05, 2017
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"I love this program "
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

I love using this program to create exactly what I want.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

It has a few glitches that have erased my work if u didn't save it soon enough.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

I have used it to create a scene that I can then use as my reference for drawing.

Mid Market (51-1000 emp.)
Apr 06, 2017
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"Amazing 3d Software"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

all the modelling tools, different layouts, sculpture tools and the integration with After Effects

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

the third party plug in for render, they work pretty good but is expensive as

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

Easy to use, integrated with my post production software

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
May 11, 2016
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"Use it all the time for all of my 3D needs"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

Easy to use and to figure out. Mograph module is great for creating animations. Using the "help" actually helps!

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

Project settings vs. render settings (specially when setting frame rate) is confusing.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

I create custom motion graphics for diverse clients in commercial and broadcast design. Using 3D helps create more interesting animations and graphics and Cinema 4D is by far the most user friendly and stable 3d software I've used.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
May 03, 2016
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"Intuitive, simple, powerful and very powerful."
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

When I began in the world of 3D not know what program to use, I tried several and none understood it to start moving a single object, Finding Cinema 4D, I saw it was mu intuitive, easy to use, you remember quickly what each option representation with icons, because something that has this software is that it is very visual. On the Internet you have thousands of thousands of tutorials to learn so there is no problem that is always someone who can help you to manage the program, All tools and options give you the ability to make animations and modeled high quality plus compatibility with software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects where you can polish your work and create more spectacular things.

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

What I do not like it for the moment is that does not have its own engine to create fluid, use external programs as a real flow to have scenes of fluids. Maxon comes to add options to create liquid Cinema 4D and would be a standard in the 3D industry.

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

In creating 3D compositions for TV and social networks, Cinema 4D helped greatly to be able to do in a very short time animations and modeling of excellent quality, and a public that every day is growing and absorbing all the information you can with this software, we see an evolution in the quality of post production and demand is even greater.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
May 02, 2016
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"working with cinema 4d for more than 6 years now."
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

minimal design, intuitiv UI, good support

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

the prize is pretty high, a better particle system would be great

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

i've been doing motiongraphics and cinema 4d lets me do quick changes for example.

Mid Market (51-1000 emp.)
Apr 28, 2016
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"C4d has been a go- to software for me when creating quick 3D elements to help communicate my designs"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

C4d is a software that anyone can learn. There's a wide variety of tutorials available for those that are new to the software. It is a great alternative in term so being a user friendly software compared to maya. Maya still requires many steps more than 5+ in order to get one effect done where as in c4d, a lot of those effects only require 2 steps. The interface is also very simple to understand where as maya requires a deep diving into menus - sub menus - and on. I was able to pick up on c4d in a matter of a week compared to taking a maya class for a whole semester. :)

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

I think c4d is great for what it does but I do hope to see Macon push the boundaries even more. Possibly creating a more seamless experience when importing models from other 3D softwares.. So that it can encourage even more collaboration. If the software wasn't so slow when working with high fidelity models- people in the industry would consider using it more than maya. I think also taking it up a notch in terms of possibly collaborating with 3rd party 3D printers. That would be a great to just take my skills from c4d and make something in real life!

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

I've had multiple opportunities to receive a cad model or maya model and import it into c4d but the downside was that my productivity level was slowed down due to model now in c4d being unable to be moved and tweaked and animated quickly.

Mid Market (51-1000 emp.)
Apr 17, 2016
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"Create 3D Design And Animation with C4D for over 8 years"
What do you like best about Cinema 4D?

Cinema 4D's ease of use and designer friendly

What do you dislike about Cinema 4D?

UV Maps and Bodypaint need to be updated

What problems is Cinema 4D solving and how is that benefiting you?

I create 3D design an animation for clients all over the world as well as teach 3D animation classes using Cinema 4D.