Cinema 4D is a powerful 3D application created by Maxon computing. It is relatively easy to learn and use. Despite this, it also has a host of powerful features that can be used to create dynamic and eye-catching 3D images and animations, quickly and efficiently.
Artists who have experience in other 3D packages can learn how to use Cinema 4D within just a few weeks, and learn it well enough for use on commercial projects. The user interface is very intuitive, but if the user has any questions about a given feature the help documentation is easily accessible and extensive.
Cinema 4D has a long list of advanced and powerful features. Artists can perform the full array of 3D tasks including modeling, texturing, animating, lighting, and rendering.
Cinema 4D also plays well with other applications, both 2D and 3D. Common 3D transfer formats such as FBX are supported. Render passes and 3D scene data are easily exported for use in compositing applications such as Adobe After Effects.
In the next section, we'll take a look at the various licensing schemes for Cinema 4D, as well as how to install the application.