3D objects can be exported in the unified view or active layer to the .c4d format, for use in CINEMA 4D. A “Vectorworks Scene” is created within the CINEMA 4D project. Vectorworks layers are exported as container objects in the scene hierarchy. Vectorworks classes become CINEMA 4D layers, allowing visibility to be controlled across the scene. Layer names, object names, and object types are preserved.
To export a CINEMA 4D file:
Select File > Export > Export CINEMA 4D (3D only).
Specify the export file name and destination, and then click Save.
An additional command allows you to send a file to CINEMA 4D directly, when CINEMA 4D is installed.
To send a file to CINEMA 4D:
Select File > Send to CINEMA 4D (3D only).
For CINEMA 4D version 12 or later, this exports the file to .c4d format (3D objects only), launches the CINEMA 4D application, and opens the file. During export, the Update Merge Options dialog box opens. Specify whether to create a new project or merge into the current one. By default, the options are set so that the geometry from the Vectorworks program is merged, but material and sky objects in CINEMA 4D are unaffected.
Once the file has been sent to CINEMA 4D, select the Save Project with Assets command in CINEMA 4D. This keeps the texture assets with the .c4d file, and prevents them from becoming disconnected in CINEMA 4D.
For CINEMA 4D versions prior to R13.053, the Send to CINEMA 4D dialog box opens. Select whether to create a new scene or merge into the current scene.