C4D File Extension

What is C4D file?

C4D files store 3D models created with Cinema 4D, a professional 3D modeling and rendering software. Cinema 4D offers many advanced tools for creating and animating 3D models and their environments, including lighting and texturing.

What kind of data C4D files store?

C4D files store information about the number of models and scene setup. Each C4D files has the following elements:

• position,
• pivot points,
• animations.

Additional tools and features for Cinema 4D are available as dedicated plugins. For example, PyroCluster plugin adds a toolset for creating various smoke and fire effects. Alternative rendering engines, such as DCorona Renderer or Cebas Finalrender, store additional information is C4D files.

How to import C4D files?

Cinema 4D models saved in C4D files can be imported to other rendering programs. Some programs require user to manually import the file from the menu (for example, Adobe After Effects), while other automatically import data from C4D files placed in specific folder (as is the case with Unity environment).

Programs which support C4D file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open C4D files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. C4D files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 05/02/2022

How to open file with C4D extension?

Being unable to open files with C4D extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with C4D files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with C4D files.

Step 1. Download and install Cinema 4D

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports C4D files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Cinema 4D. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Cinema 4D installed is by going to developer’s website (MAXON Computer GmbH) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Cinema 4D to the latest version

You still cannot access C4D files although Cinema 4D is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why C4D files are not compatible with Cinema 4D. The most recent version of Cinema 4D is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Cinema 4D to C4D files

If you have the latest version of Cinema 4D installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage C4D on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the C4D with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Cinema 4D installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open C4D files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with C4D extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with C4D extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the C4D for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the C4D file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The C4D may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the C4D file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the C4D file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the C4D file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the C4D file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with C4D extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Cinema 4D

If the systems has insufficient resources to open C4D files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Cinema 4D Model Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle C4D files.

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