[Dave]

Hey Josh,

You can achieve this effect by just wrapping a helix around a circle. I’ve just made a quick project file for you at the link below, let me know if you want me to make a tutorial;)

https://cgshortcuts.com/twisted-abstract-shapes-in-cinema-4d/

cgshortcuts.com

Twisted Abstract Shapes In Cinema 4D | CG Shortcuts

Twisted Abstract Shapes in Cinema 4D - an easy way to make complex abstract shapes in Cinema 4D.

[Dave]

Hey Joanna, other than what I mention in this video: https://cgshortcuts.com/what-computer-do-you-need-for-cinema-4d

Here’s some ideas:

Budget Options ($200–$400):

1. Dell UltraSharp U2422H

   • 24″, 1920×1080, 99% sRGB, factory calibrated.
   • Affordable, great color accuracy, compact size for smaller setups.

2. BenQ PD2705Q

   • 27″, 2560×1440, 100% sRGB, HDR10 support.
   • A step-up resolution, with great color fidelity for creative work.

3. ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV

   • 27″, 2560×1440, 100% sRGB and Rec. 709, Calman Verified.
   • Designed for creators on a budget, with excellent color calibration.

Midrange Options ($500–$1,000):

1. LG UltraFine Ergo 32UN880-B

   • 32″, 4K UHD, 95% DCI-P3, HDR10, Ergo arm for flexible positioning.
   • Ideal for multitasking and precise motion graphics work.

2. Eizo FlexScan EV3895

   • 37.5″, ultrawide 3840×1600, 100% sRGB.
   • Perfect for increased workspace and stable color, with excellent ergonomics.

3. Dell UltraSharp U3223QE

   • 32″, 4K UHD, 99% sRGB + 99% DCI-P3, IPS Black panel.
   • High resolution with deep contrast and professional-grade color.

High-End Options ($1,000+):

1. Eizo ColorEdge CG319X

   • 31″, 4K+ (4096×2160), 99% AdobeRGB, HDR Gamma support, built-in calibrator.
   • The ultimate in color accuracy and stability for demanding workflows.

2. Apple Pro Display XDR

   • 32″, 6K Retina (6016×3384), P3 wide color gamut, HDR.
   • Unmatched resolution and brightness for a premium experience.

3. ASUS ProArt PA32UCX

   • 32″, 4K HDR, 99% AdobeRGB, 97% DCI-P3, HDR 1000 certified.
   • Outstanding for professionals seeking top-tier HDR and wide gamut accuracy.

Additional Tips:

• Color Calibration: Invest in a color calibrator like the X-Rite i1Display Pro or Datacolor SpyderX to maintain accuracy.
• Panel Type: Look for IPS panels for better color and viewing angles compared to gaming-focused monitors with TN panels.
• Resolution: At least QHD (2560×1440) is recommended for Cinema 4D; 4K is even better for detailed projects and expanded workspace.

cgshortcuts.com

What Computer Do You Need For Cinema 4D? | CG Shortcuts

What to keep in mind when looking for a new Cinema 4D workstation.

[Dave]

Hi Israel, there’s actually a few good tutorials on youtube about this already, did you try these?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PouTnEErU40&pp=ygUUYzRkIHBvd2RlciBleHBsb3Npb24%3D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O5xknV11Kw&pp=ygUUYzRkIHBvd2RlciBleHBsb3Npb24%3D

[Dave]

Hi Parag, I think the easiest way to do something like this is to create the shockwave in After Effects, you’ll have more flexibility in getting the right look. Then render that out as a black and white matte and use it in C4D inside a material which you can stack on top of the ground material. I’ll see if I can knock together a project file and tutorial for you;)

[Dave]

Hey Matt, render settings are actually stored within the project file itself. If you mean your saved layouts or keyboard shortcuts etc, you can find them in your preferences folder.

This tutorial might help:

https://cgshortcuts.com/export-your-cinema-4d-shortcuts-keys

cgshortcuts.com

Export Your Cinema 4D Shortcuts Keys | CG Shortcuts

How to export your Cinema 4D shortcut keys from one version of C4D to another. 

[Dave]

Hi Sean, thats a bit of a tricky one. Looks like some twisting going on for sure and some cloning along the twisted shape. Maybe the shape being cloned is also being twisted as well, really hard to say.

I’ll try a bit longer and see if I can figure it out

[Dave]

Hi Parag, that’s coming along nicely, well done!

Texturing animated volumes is notoriously difficult, but I think for this example it might be best to use triplanar projection within your material – as that material is from the CG Shortcuts library it already has Triplanar nodes set up for you, just set the mode to REFERENCE so the texture sticks to the animated object and plug them in.

I’ll email over a corrected project file so you can see what I mean;)

[Dave]

Hi Alexandre, good question!

Reflection and refraction will play a big part in getting this look, with a balance of light and dark areas in your scene and lighting.

It might be a good one for a project file and tutorial as its a bit tricky to explain in words.

I’ve added it to the requests list now on this page: https://cgshortcuts.com/requests/

cgshortcuts.com

Requests | CG Shortcuts

Want us to cover a tutorial topic? Recreate an effect you've seen? Need a 3D asset for your project? Let us know...

[Dave]

No worries, did that setup all make sense?

[Dave]

No worries, let me know which one you end up going with

[Dave]

No worries did those work for you?

[Dave]

Yep, you can make a project file template if you use the same settings all the time and save loads of time

[Dave]

No worries, good to hear it worked out anyway;)

[Dave]

Good stuff, all the best with your project bud, its looking great!!

[Dave]

No worries, Polyhaven also has a great collection of free models

https://polyhaven.com/models

polyhaven.com

Models • Poly Haven

Hundreds of free 3D models, ready to use for any purpose. No login required.