Cinema 4D
German-contracted 3D suite for modelling, animation, simulation and Redshift rendering, popular for motion graphics
Quick Overview
| Company | Maxon Computer GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | 3D Modeling and Rendering Software |
| Headquarters | Germany, Germany |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | Not stated on the pages checked |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | Modelling, animation, simulation, MoGraph, Redshift rendering, Team Render nodes, Capsules, After Effects integration |
| Pricing | See maxon.net (not shown in server-rendered text) |
| Best For | Motion designers and 3D generalists who want one application for modelling, animation and rendering |
| Replaces | Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max |
Detailed Review
Cinema 4D is positioned by Maxon as one application for modelling, animation, simulation and rendering. Its MoGraph and procedural animation tools are aimed at broadcast graphics, brand animation and title sequences, and it connects natively to After Effects.
The terms of use on maxon.net state that for the maxon.net site the company is Maxon Computer GmbH, while some other Maxon web properties name Maxon Computer Inc. Check which site you purchase from.
What is in the plan
The Cinema 4D page lists the Redshift Renderer, five Team Render nodes and Maxon Capsules as part of the plan. A Redshift subscription for Cinema 4D alone does not include Team Render nodes, according to the same page.
Using the application requires a MyMaxon account and acceptance of the Maxon EULA.
Where it fits
Maxon lists motion designers, 3D artists, visual designers, VFX artists, architectural visualisation and studios as target groups. It integrates with ZBrush, Redshift, Autograph and Red Giant from the same company.
Contract entity matters
Because Maxon operates several legal entities, a buyer should read the terms of the specific store. The maxon.net terms name the German GmbH; the Red Giant store and some other Maxon sites name the US Inc.
Limitations to Consider
Prices were not visible in the page text checked, so budget needs a visit to the store. Maxon also operates a US entity for some of its websites, so confirm the invoicing entity. Rigging and character tools are less central than motion graphics, and for free software see Blender.
Who Should Use Cinema 4D
Motion designers, agencies and studios that want a single commercial 3D application with a German contracting entity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Modelling, animation, simulation and rendering in one application
- Redshift renderer in the plan
- Five Team Render nodes included
- After Effects integration
- maxon.net terms name a German GmbH
Cons
- Price not shown in checked page text
- Some Maxon sites contract with a US company
- Commercial licence only, no free plan found
- Account registration required
Alternatives to Cinema 4D
Other European 3d modeling and rendering software worth comparing before you decide:
Blender
Netherlands · Free open source 3D suite for modelling, sculpting, animation and rendering
V-Ray
Germany · Production renderer that plugs into CAD and DCC software
Shapr3D
United Kingdom · Direct 3D modelling for desktop and iPad with a free plan
Lumion
Netherlands · Real-time architectural rendering from a Dutch vendor
See all European 3d modeling and rendering software or compare them directly against Autodesk Maya on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The maxon.net terms of use name Maxon Computer GmbH for that site. Other Maxon sites such as Red Giant name Maxon Computer Inc, so check the store you use.
The plan page lists the Redshift Renderer as included, together with five Team Render nodes and Maxon Capsules.
Blender is a free open source suite from the Netherlands that covers modelling to rendering.