c4d

Cinema 4D, commonly abbreviated as C4D or C4D, is a professional 3D modeling, animation, motion graphics and rendering package developed by MAXON Computer GmbH. First released in the 1990s, it runs on Windows and macOS and is known for its approachable workflow, stability, and strong emphasis on motion graphics. The software is used across film, television, advertising, and architectural visualization to create synthetic objects, environments and visual effects.

Its feature set includes polygonal and spline-based modeling, sculpting, texturing, lighting, and rendering. A notable strength is MoGraph, a set of tools for procedural motion graphics and multi-object animation, widely used in broadcast graphics. C4D provides non-destructive workflows, a robust Python scripting interface (and C.O.F.F.E.E.) for automation, and a node-based material system along with physically based rendering options. It supports multiple render engines, including integrated Standard and Physical renderers and third-party options, and offers tools for rigging, dynamics, and character animation. Interoperability is supported with common formats such as OBJ, FBX, Alembic, and Collada, and it can export to or be used with After Effects via Cineware. Team Render enables network rendering across multiple machines.

Development and release cadence include periodic major updates along with feature enhancements and maintenance packs. The software is distributed commercially, with licenses and maintenance options, and benefits from an active user community and extensive documentation, tutorials, and third-party plugins. C4D's combination of user-friendly design, fast rendering workflows, and deep graphics capabilities maintains its place as a popular choice for both beginners and professionals in the 3D and motion graphics industry.