What is Cinema 4D?
Cinema 4D is Maxon’s 3D modelling, animation and rendering application for motion design and visual production. Its subscription includes Redshift, with a separate Maxon One bundle covering additional tools.
Who is Cinema 4D for?
Motion designers and 3D artists evaluating an integrated animation and rendering workflow on supported Windows or Mac systems.
Choose around the motion-design and rendering pipeline
Cinema 4D combines modelling and animation for 3D and motion-design work. Maxon lists Redshift with Cinema 4D subscriptions and offers a broader Maxon One collection for additional tools.
Start with a representative scene and the final output. Compare Maya, 3ds Max and Blender around the work the team must deliver.
Cinema 4D features
The core capabilities to consider for your workflow.
- 3D modelling and animation
- Motion-design scene workflows
- Included Redshift rendering with a Cinema 4D subscription
Cinema 4D pricing
Paid plans / trial
Compare a Cinema 4D subscription with the broader Maxon One bundle. Redshift is included with Cinema 4D subscriptions; verify additional tool and deployment requirements in the selected offer.
Calculate the cost of your quote →Free access & evaluation
Maxon offers a 14-day trial through the Maxon App. Continued production use requires an appropriate paid entitlement.
Before you choose Cinema 4D
A trial is time-limited and does not provide an ongoing free production licence.
Rendering and application hardware requirements need checking separately.
Confirm plugin, file exchange and renderer compatibility for the actual project and receiving team.
Check the workflow before choosing
Use a non-sensitive brief with an animated object, material, lighting and a camera. Specify the receiving editor, plugins, frame requirements and renderer. Record the observed handover during an authorised evaluation rather than assuming a file import proves compatibility.
Maxon’s system requirements distinguish application and rendering requirements. Check the actual computer and selected version before relying on a trial for the evaluation.
Explore related design & creative software tools
Cinema 4D FAQs
Is Cinema 4D free?
Cinema 4D is paid software. Maxon offers a 14-day trial, which is separate from an ongoing production licence.
Is Redshift included with Cinema 4D?
Maxon states that Redshift is included with Cinema 4D subscriptions. Confirm the required hardware and production setup.
Does Cinema 4D run on Windows and Mac?
Yes. Maxon lists Windows and macOS support. Check the current application and rendering requirements for the actual machine.
Is Cinema 4D the same as Maxon One?
Cinema 4D is a 3D application. Maxon One is a broader subscription bundle that includes Cinema 4D and additional creative tools.