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What Is Cinema 4D?

Cinema 4D makes lets designers create complex 3D graphic models and bring them to life. The 3D graphics program can be used flexibly and has numerous functions. This makes Cinema 4D easier for designers to operate. Thanks to the 3D graphics tools, high-resolution textures, and complex animations, this program has the flexibility to simplify the 3D graphics workflow process.

Who Uses Cinema 4D?

Cinema 4D is a tool for creating 3D graphics on Mac and PC platforms. This 3D graphics program covers a wide range of functions, including animations and textures.

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Reviews of Cinema 4D

Average score

Overall
4.6
Ease of Use
4.2
Customer Service
4.3
Features
4.6
Value for Money
4.0

Reviews by company size (employees)

  • <50
  • 51-200
  • 201-1,000
  • >1,001

Find reviews by score

5
65%
4
30%
3
4%
Tchameni
Tchameni
Creative Motion Graphic Designer And WordPress Web Designer in Cameroon
Verified LinkedIn User
Graphic Design, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

It's easy to use and very powerful for 3D modeling

5.0 last year

Comments: Cinema 4D could be better if the software is affordable and offers advanced sculpting functionalities for users that way, users won't have to stress, trying to integrate it with some third-party tools. Nevertheless, it's a good tool for 3D modeling - I personally think that it's way more easy to learn and adapt to than many others.

Pros:

Cinema 4D is user-friendly. mong all the 3D modeling tools that I've tried out, it's one of the few simple software to use. It has a well-designed and intuitive user interface, that makes it relatively easy to learn and adapt to even for beginners.In addition to it, Cinema 4D is also very stable and reliable in terms of performance.- It offers quite a wide range of tools for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, motion graphics, and visual effects, making it the perfect software for realizing creative designs.- Another astonishing feature in Cinema 4D that I find to be completely missing in other tools is its "MoGraph capabilities". This is a tool present in Ciema 4D that provides other powerful motion graphics tools essential for creating advanced and complex animations with dynamic visual effects.- Another aspect is that it also integrates with After Effects making workflow great as collaboration is easy.

Cons:

- Cinema 4D is not for everyone, the software comes at a price that can be too high for users with a small budget. I work with it when it's necessary but it's not always.- It offers limited sculpting capabilities, there are designs you can't bring to life because the tool is somewhat limited and that's where Maya breaks the bonds and to achieve this, you need to use third-party tools with larger and less-limited functionalities. It can be very stressful and could potentially waste some money as you'll need to pay a license for the third-party tools as well.

Tayeb
CEO in Canada
Design, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Great 3D animation and rendering software

5.0 10 months ago

Comments: I started using Cinema 4D R12 about a decade ago, I still use it nowadays and it remains one of the best in between 3D softwares as you can use it on a laptop for basic work but for rendering big projects, it is recommended to have access to a server farm. There are services offering that online and locally depending on where you live.

Pros:

- End results are jaw-dropping. - Additions third-party packs can be purchased to facilitate the work. - Pricing options (Monthly and Yearly) and student pricing also available for those who want to learn.

Cons:

- Quality has a price so Cinema 4D comes with a hefty price tag, individuals might find it expensive but for creative agencies the price is more than affordable. - Some alternatives are free (ahem Blender). - Access to a render farm is highly recommended to export Cinema 4D work.

Souleymane
Souleymane
Training assistant in Mauritania
Verified LinkedIn User
Mining & Metals, 5,001–10,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

The 3D modeling and rendering software.

3.0 last year

Comments: I have extensively used Cinema 4D in my design and animation work, even if it was for a short period of time. It is a fantastic tool for bringing your 3D ideas to life.

Pros:

What I like the most is the dynamic simulation functionality, which includes built-in modules to simulate physical phenomena such as collisions, fluids, fabrics, etc. I also appreciate the rendering capability to create realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections.

Cons:

What I don't like is the fact that it is integrated with other software. While it does facilitate and diversify the creative process, I believe it should have stayed within its own ecosystem.

Micalen
Freelancer in South Africa
Computer Games, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Cinema 4D: A high quality renderer

5.0 12 months ago

Comments: Cinema 4D is a high quality render and very fast. workflow is faster making use of the software's tools and features. It is a really powerful and useful tool for creators.

Pros:

Cinema 4D is a very powerful animator, modeler and renderer. It offers a large library of templates, models and pre-made animations that can just be dropped onto a rig. It has a simple to understand UI.

Cons:

The price is it's biggest con as it is rather expensive making it a bad choice for budget creators.

Zibusisozenkosi
Zibusisozenkosi
3D Artist in Zimbabwe
Verified LinkedIn User
Architecture & Planning, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Why do you need to use Cinema 4D

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Cinema 4D is the software I use for motion graphics and compositing I also have a few projects that i did with cinema 4D.

Pros:

I like the motion graphics in this software because it is very flexible it makes me modify my models in any way that i like.

Cons:

I hated the fact that when starting out to use this software it doesn't look to be user friendly and that it has a lot of tools for everything.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Information Technology & Services, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

3D Rendering using Cinema 4D

4.0 last year

Pros:

Overall Cinema 4D is great software for 3D modelling and rendering. The user interface is simple and clean so we can focus on modelling the 3D instead of focusing on the UI.

Cons:

Cinema 4D still lacks features if we compare it with other similar software. It's not free software as well, so we have to pay to use it.

Johan
Designer in Sweden
Animation, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

It has grown feature rich and versatile but could improve on the basics

4.0 2 years ago

Comments: Overall I think it's a great software. It has allowed me to realise the visuals and animations that I needed for many jobs and continues to be a key tool in my everyday workflow. I wish the integration and optimisation with Mac Silicon could be stronger to better utilise the hardware.

Pros:

It's rewarding to use and has evolved a lot over the years and is now packed with a lot of nice and usefull features.

Cons:

I think the new UI design is harder to distinguish. Icons are now too similar in style and color and not so intuitively marked as active/inactive etc.

Aisha
Student in UK
Education Management, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Limited but it is the easiest graphics design software to learn

4.0 11 months ago

Comments: It was the app that I learned how to use CAD with.
It’s simple to learn and use which enabled me to move onto other applications

Pros:

Easy to use tools. Pretty decent rendering Very good for beginners

Cons:

Tools are limited compared to blended and after effects

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Animation, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

Cinema 4D a excelente tool if you're a experienced user

4.0 last year

Comments: I use Cinema 4D in my UNI and works perfect with what I do, I love animating and doing renders.

Pros:

Can do incredible things if you put the effort on learning how to use it, never crashed the program on my PC.

Cons:

A little expensive, if you usually work with another 3D programs maybe you will find yourself lost in the UI or the controls, can be heavy to run if you have a bad PC.

Anil
Editor in UK
Entertainment, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Creative Alliance Review

4.0 last year

Comments: We have been able to publish quality rendered images time to time using Cinema 4D so it has been a pretty good experience.

Pros:

Using the Octane renderer is pretty smooth in Cinema 4D. We here at Creative Alliance adore the renders we were able to achieve which clearly differentiated it from Bender renders and it was much better.

Cons:

The obvious con about Cinema 4D is its pricing but we understand why it is a paid software because it packs a lot of features some free softwares do not provide.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Design, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

4d

5.0 last year

Comments: it has enabled me to run more complex simulations in much less time

Pros:

a great animation tool for 3d rendering and 3D particle simulation

Cons:

interface design needs to be improved in terms of button color and window animation

Jose
Jose
Geology in Ecuador
Verified LinkedIn User
Renewables & Environment, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

A Journey Through the World of 3D Animation with Cinema4D: A Comprehensive Review of the Software

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Overall, though it has some limitations and drawbacks, Cinema 4D remains a solid and popular choice for 3D animation and is widely used in the film, television, video game, and advertising industries.

Pros:

Cinema 4D is a very complete and versatile 3D animation software that offers many outstanding features, but among the best it has are:Friendly interface: Cinema 4D has an intuitive and easy-to-use user interface that makes the 3D animation process more accessible to users, regardless of their level of experience.Wide range of tools: Cinema 4D has a wide variety of tools and functions, including modeling, animation, rendering, visual effects and physical dynamics.Flexibility: Cinema 4D integrates easily with other programs and file formats, making it ideal for collaborative work with other artists and designers.High Rendering Quality: Cinema 4D offers exceptional rendering quality, allowing you to create high-quality, realistic 3D graphics and animations.Large User Community: Cinema 4D has a large community of users online who share tutorials, resources, and plugins to help users get the most out of the software.Cinema 4D is a very complete and versatile 3D animation software that offers many outstanding features, but among the best it has are:Friendly interface: Cinema 4D has an intuitive and easy-to-use user interface that makes the 3D animation process more accessible to users, regardless of their level of experience.Wide range of tools: Cinema 4D has a wide variety of tools and functions, including modeling, animation, rendering, visual effects and physical dynamics.

Cons:

Although Cinema 4D is a very complete and popular 3D animation software, there are some disadvantages that could be mentioned:Price: Compared to other 3D animation software, Cinema 4D can be quite expensive. Professional licenses can be quite expensive, making it less accessible for beginners and independent artists with limited budgets.Limitations in some areas: Although Cinema 4D is a very complete software, some areas such as character animation and fluid simulations can be limited compared to other specialized programs in these areas.Limited customization: User interface and workflow customization in Cinema 4D can be limited compared to other programs, which can be a disadvantage for some advanced users who prefer more control over their work environment.Learning Curve: Cinema 4D has a relatively steep learning curve, especially for those who are new to 3D animation. It can take time and effort to learn how to use all the tools and features available in the software.

Nicholas
Creative Director in US
Graphic Design, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Highly adaptable for 3d rendering.

5.0 last year

Comments: I first dabbled with cinema 4d around 2008, using it to design 3d render abstract style art, and have since used it to explore various integrations with my graphic design. It's expensive, but widely addable with lots of plugins for any type of design needs.

Pros:

The ability to use various render engines for my graphic design needs.

Cons:

It is relatively costly compared to other rendering software, but it's ease of use and access to plugins makes it worth it.

Géovanny
Géovanny
graphic designer in Cameroon
Verified LinkedIn User
Graphic Design, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Maxon Cinema 4D: my favorite software for 3D modeling and animation

4.0 2 years ago

Pros:

I have been using Maxon Cinema 4D for creating 3D models and have found many benefits to using this software. First, it is easy to learn and use with its intuitive and well-organized user interface. Second, it offers a wide variety of modeling, animation and rendering tools that allow you to create detailed and realistic 3D scenes. The physical simulation and rigid body dynamics tools are also very useful for adding realistic motion and interaction to my models. Finally, the software can be extended with plugins to add even more functionality and flexibility to my workflow.

Cons:

The high cost of Maxon Cinema 4D software may be a barrier for me, especially as a beginner in 3D modeling. The modeling tools may not be as advanced as other 3D software I have used, which can be a drawback when creating complex models. Finally, I may find the user interface and navigation of the software a bit complex at first due to the large number of features available.

Vishvjeet
video editor & compositor in India
Media Production, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Cinema 4D is a 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software application that is commonly used

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Cinema 4D is known for its ease of use and intuitive interface, which makes it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced professionals alike. It also offers a wide range of features and capabilities, including advanced lighting and shading tools, particle systems, and physics simulations, which allow users to create realistic and compelling 3D graphics and animations.

Pros:

professionals in the film, television, and video game industries. It allows users to create 3D graphics, animations, and visual effects for a variety of different media types, including films, commercials, and video games.

Cons:

I like the new update in this software I really liked the new cinema 4d pyro ,which replaces paid software like FD Turbulence

Roldan
Roldan
Senior Web Designer and Developer in Philippines
Verified LinkedIn User
Information Technology & Services, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Cinema 4D Easy Breezy, But...

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Fantastic! Though, I have shift career from graphic design to web development, I still dreamt of doing 3D Design soon. Cinema 4D is still my best recommended 3D software out there - save for the price of course.

Pros:

- Easy to learn. I have been with 3DS Max and Maya and all other 3D software, Cinema 4D made learning easier. Yes, it's easy to learn and the interface are very intuitive.- Integrations. One of the best thing Cinema 4D comes with is it's integration and compatibility with Adobe Products like Illustrator, Photoshop and After Effects for video editor. Now, Imagine the leverage this will give you.- Faster rendering using third-party integration rendering software such as RedShift and Vray.- Generous learning hubs and tutorials are all around the corner, both free and paid.

Cons:

- The Price. I cringe with the price. Definitely, not for solo users with little budget. Not for student either. You might be better off, using a computer from your computer lab before you can use this software. It's too pricey. Though, it offers educational version, but I'm not sure if you can maximize on that one.- Steep Learning Curve. Off course, we can compromise on this one. Not single 3D Software is easy-breezy to learn. But Cinema 4D is by far the easiest I've got.- Bugs and glitches. There are times where it hangs and get's stuck and now you have to restart after waiting for a couple of hours of rendering. Happens to me ones on a blue moon though.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Graphic Design, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Professionals in the world of digital art need to check this out

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Hey guys! Today I want to tell you about Cinema 4D which is one of my favorite 3D animation software programs.I find it really user friendly because it lets me make the most intricate animations and visuals effects with ease. So what does this mean for you, dear animator? In our humble opinion, it means only one thing: If there’s ever been a better time to get your feet wet in animation software, it’s now. Let us know if you've tried Cinema 4D yet!

Pros:

The future is yours. Cinema 4D is the perfect 3D software for you. No matter how inexperienced you are, it will help you take your creativity to new heights. It has several tools to help you work more efficiently and make beautiful images. Cinema 4D is easier to use than other 3D software, and you can use it for not only animation but also graphic design and motion graphics. Mograph with cloner is great to replicate your work at a fast speed so you don't have to waste any time.

Cons:

It can be a little pricey, but worth the price. It's very tedious to be use and has a complicated interface. It's not compatible with every computer. But if you have the budget for it, I'd say go for it.

Anthony
3D Artist in France
Animation, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Best tool for motion graphics

4.0 2 years ago

Comments: It is a very user friendly software that can help you make the best animations and motion graphics.

Pros:

When you want to create a 3D motion graphics animation scene, your best tool is definitely Cinema 4D. The software has already built in motion graphics samples that you can use and apply in your scenes. The default animation is already smooth when you first create, and you can easily adjust and enhance your animation using the f-curve. The animation creation process is very simple and straight forward thanks to its user friendly interface.

Cons:

The default render engine in Cinema 4D is not bad, but you won't get the high quality results easily and sometimes you can't even reach the result you want. I had to install a render engine that could do the job.

Nabin
Nabin
CEO in Nepal
Verified LinkedIn User
Computer Software, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Fastest 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering software

5.0 3 years ago

Comments: Cinema 4D is the easiest yet advanced 3D modeling and simulation software that comes with a rich library of presets allowing you to quickly produce outstanding animated videos.

Pros:

Cinema 4D offers an extensive collection of 3D models and animation presets, that allow users to quickly and easily produce high-quality animated videos. With its MoGraph toolset, it is much faster to control, layer, and link effects to each other. It features advanced UV mapping, placement tools, scene manager, and Redshift rendering which makes it an industry-leading 3D software.

Cons:

The price is a bit too expensive for beginners. Not suitable for developing interactive animations.

Francisco
Chief's Editor in Mexico
Media Production, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Tried the Lite version with after effects... Fell in love since then

4.0 3 years ago

Comments: I'm a very creative person and I had some preparation in Real engine, so I was very pleased you can program a process line with different choices and behaviors, including dynamics. Also, my expertise is motion graphics, I used after effects since the beginning, now with cinema 4D and its integration, along with the red giant library included in the suscription, I feel I can do everything.

Pros:

3D is hard to learn, if you want to make your life easier you should be good at math, otherwise you're going to struggle a little bit. Saying that, Cinema 4D does make it easier, is the easiest to learn than other 3d modeling programs we've tried.

Cons:

So far nothing, I really like they add a lite version for those who use after effects, that brought me here.

Pragya
Pragya
Video Editor and Graphic Designer in India
Verified LinkedIn User
Animation, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Maxon Cinema 4D: Best 3D Motion Graphics Tool

5.0 4 years ago

Comments: If you want to create advanced 3D graphics quickly and easily, then this is the best software to use. Best for motion designers and 3D production.

Pros:

1)Beginner-Friendly: Cinema 4D is known for being the friendliest 3D software with an easy learning curve. 2)Powerful Features: (i)Modelling -> Types of modelling modes: polygon, parametric, sculpting and volume modelling. You get different methods of creating models and you can choose any according to your preference. (ii)Texturing ->You can choose materials and shaders, from node-based to 3D printing. (iii)Lighting -> With so many options and an amazing render engine, you can create super-realistic renders. (iv)Animation->Can be used for creating a 2D cartoon styled render, motion graphics, and realistic animations. 3)Highly Active community for tips and tutorials. 4)Cinema 4D also offers an object library, with free 3D files. 5)Supports integration with Adobe After Effects, Adobe Illustrator and CAD applications. 5)Highly appreciated in the Industry.

Cons:

1)It's costly. 2)Cannot be used for game creation like Blender. 3)Limited tools compared to other software.

Tshepo
Tshepo
Assistant Finance Administrator in Botswana
Verified LinkedIn User
Financial Services, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Great premium 3D animator for beginners

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: I use it to make promo videos for our organization

Pros:

The rendering speeds are amazing thanks to the red shift render engine and it's great for beginners

Cons:

It's easy to overload your computer causing crashes especially if your ram and video card is inferior

Tina
Freelancer in US
Media Production, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Cinema 4D is a Top Tier Solution for Professionals

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: My overall experience with Cinema 4D has been a productive and impressive one. I love the ease of the program while modeling, rigging, and animating. The lights in the renderer allows me to enhance my creation to stand out amongst my peers. This is what makes it the choice 3D program among professionals.

Pros:

Cinema 4D is much user friendly than some of the other 3D software on the market. The software comes with many presets to enable your work to flow more efficiently. It is not only great for animation but also graphic design and motion graphics. Mograph with cloner allows you to replicate models at a fast speed saving you precious time.

Cons:

Cinema 4D is around $1000 which is expensive but if you are a student or teacher you may obtain the education version. Also Cinema 4D lite comes with Adobe After Effects. Cinema 4D may also be purchased from Maxon by monthly subscription for $95 or their bundle with z-brush for $150.

Roohi
Roohi
Sr. Motion Graphic Designer in India
Verified LinkedIn User
Broadcast Media, 201–500 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

New era for dynamics

5.0 3 years ago

Comments: Being a motion graphic designer I use is daily for creating broadcast motion graphics.

Pros:

I am motion graphic designer, I find this software very fast easy for dynamic animation. You can make complex dynamics in few clicks and modify them easily. Rendering is also good and the best part is that you can export whole scene for composting.

Cons:

well sometime I find little issues with its camera but its good so far.

Ramazan
Ramazan
Motion Graphics in Türkiye
Verified LinkedIn User
Animation, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

3D modeling, It is a quality, budget-friendly software that can be used for motion design and render

4.0 2 years ago

Comments: In my experience, this program, which supports me in the commercials and artistic works I make and produces fast works, is good enough.

Pros:

The idea that I can produce almost any scene with the program makes me happy. The positive side of the program is that it makes up for its deficiencies with plug-ins with the opportunities it provides.

Cons:

I'm using a plugin for rendering. Its rendering engine is slow.