1. Import from Cinema 4D Lite to After Effects

Here's how to import a Cinema 4D scene file into After Effects.

1A. Update render settings

First, update the Cinema 4D render settings. These will be inhereted by the After Effects composition settings when the file is imported into After Effects.

https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qgi1ovi43x

1. In Cinema 4D, go to Render → Edit Render Settings (⌘B / Ctrl + B).

2. Update your render settings:

   Output

   • Width and Height: Set the dimensions for export. Larger resolutions will take longer to render.
   • Frame Range: Set the length of your animation in frames. For a still image, choose Current Frame.

   Anti-Aliasing

   • None: No anti-aliasing, all edges will be jagged. Faster render.
   • Geometry (Default): Moderate anti-aliasing, edges will be mostly smooth but shadows and other details will show imperfections.
   • Best: Maximum anti-aliasing. Slower render.

3. Go to File → Save (⌘S / Ctrl + S) to save the Cinema 4D file.

1B. Import .c4d file

1. Open After Effects CC.

2. Go to File → Import → File... (⌘I / Ctrl + I) and browse for your Cinema 4D scene file.

   <aside> 💡 You can also double-click the Project Panel and browse for your Cinema 4D scene file.

   </aside>

3. [Optional] Import the background from the scene file.

   After Effects CC defaults to a transparent background for imported Cinema 4D scene files. Ignoring it will import our scene exactly as it is, including the background.

   https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qef5fmkvdh

   • Right-click the Cinema 4D scene file in the Project panel and go to Interpret Footage → Main.
   • In the dialog, select the Alpha Ignore option. Click OK.

1C. Create new composition

<aside> ⚠️ When you create a composition from a .c4d file, it's based on the render settings from Cinema 4D. After the composition is created, however, changes to the render settings will have no effect on it.

</aside>

1. In the Project panel, right-click the Cinema 4D Lite scene file and go to New Composition...

You now have a composition in After Effects! It's linked to your Cinema 4D file, so any changes you make in Cinema 4D will be show up in After Effects.