I've been experimenting with AI to see how it could fit into a Cinema 4D workflow, and in this video I'm sharing some of the ways I've been using different tools in my own work.

From generating 3D models, textures and concepts to creating smoke and fire, automating tasks and experimenting with AI video, there are some interesting possibilities for 3D artists and motion designers.

To be clear, I'm not saying you need to use AI. I just wanted to show what's possible right now, share what I've been testing, and explore how quickly things are progressing.

I'm keen to hear what you think about AI.

Are you already experimenting with AI in your 3D or motion graphics workflow? And would you like to see more content exploring how AI tools can be used alongside Cinema 4D?

Let me know in the comments or via the poll here: https://cgshortcuts.com/ai

Pre-production

Client briefs

AI can help break down confusing briefs, clarify requirements and identify questions to ask your client. Important: Always check your NDA, client contract and studio AI policies before sharing project information with third-party services. Never upload confidential information or proprietary assets without permission.

Look development & styleframes

I use AI image generators to explore visual directions before spending hours building scenes in Cinema 4D. - Experiment with lighting, materials and compositions. - Explore different visual styles and environments before jumping into Cinema 4D and building styleframes for client presentations. Tools & models: GPT Image 2 · Midjourney

Storyboards

I've built a custom storyboarding app that turns rough sketches into polished storyboard images. - Start with simple drawings or scribbles. - Generate more detailed frames. - Run the model locally to avoid per-generation API costs. Tool & model: FLUX.2 Klein with my custom LoRA, running locally on an RTX 3090 Ti. The fal link is for the hosted model; I use my own local setup for this workflow.

Previsualisation & voiceovers

AI voice generation is handy for temporary narration while blocking out shots and timing animations. - Generate placeholder dialogue from a script. - Test pacing before final production. - Replace temporary audio with a professional voiceover for the final client project. Tool: ElevenLabs

Production

AI-generated 3D models

AI 3D generators can quickly create secondary assets and background objects without modelling everything from scratch. - Generate models from image references. - Create starting points for textures and geometry. - Bring assets into Cinema 4D for cleanup, retopology or further modelling. For hero assets requiring precise geometry or complex animation, I'd still favour a properly modelled or professionally sourced asset. Tools & models: Tripo · Hi3D · Hunyuan3D · Rodin · Trellis 2 (open source)

Textures & materials

AI can speed up the creation of textures and material assets that would otherwise require manual work or searching stock libraries. - Generate tileable textures, decals and graphic designs. - Create artwork for UV layouts. - Generate environment images and background plates. - Generate complete PBR materials and texture maps. Tools & models: GPT Image 2 · Midjourney · PATINA (PBR material generation)

Coding & automation

This is the tool I use most that makes the biggest impact on my workflow - I use AI coding assistants to build Cinema 4D scripts, plugins and custom apps without having to write every line of code myself. - Automate repetitive tasks. - Create custom tools using the Cinema 4D Python API. - Build plugins, screen recording tools and editing apps. - Some people have experimented with more ambitious projects, including custom simulation tools. I've used this approach to build my own Cinema 4D Toolkit, including dynamics controls, an automatic material creator and a Match Size-style tool. Tools & technologies: AI coding assistants · Cinema 4D Python API Always test generated code carefully and keep backups of important projects.

Post-production

Sound effects

AI sound generators can save time searching through sound libraries, particularly when you need something specific. - Generate sound effects from text prompts. - Experiment with video-to-audio generation. - Create audio to complement motion graphics and animations. Video-to-audio models can still be hit and miss with motion graphics. Tools & models: AI sound-effect generators · Video-to-audio models

Music

AI music can be useful when you can't find the right track or need something specific on a limited budget. - Generate music from text prompts. - Use a chatbot to help describe musical styles. - Use reference tracks to guide the result where supported. I still mostly use music libraries, and nothing beats a professional musician scoring a project specifically for the brief. Tools & models: AI music generators · Chatbots for prompt writing Licensing: Check the current commercial-use terms for your chosen service before using generated music in client work.

Upscaling & reframing

AI finishing tools can help adapt existing renders when you need a different resolution or aspect ratio. - Upscale HD renders for 4K delivery. - Extend images and videos to fit new formats. - Create vertical versions of widescreen content. Rendering at the correct resolution and format will generally give you better control, but AI can be a useful fallback when deadlines are tight. I rarely use these tools. Tool: Topaz Labs (AI image and video enhancement)

Removing & replacing objects

AI editing tools can remove or replace objects, extend footage or generate extra seconds of video. - Make last-minute changes without rebuilding an entire scene. - Remove unwanted elements. - Extend shots when you need a little more footage. For maximum quality and consistency, fixing the original Cinema 4D scene is usually preferable when practical. I also rarely use these tools. Tools & models: AI object-removal tools · Generative video models

Enhancing Cinema 4D renders with AI

It was interesting to experiment with AI to enhance existing 3D renders rather than generating an entire shot from scratch. - Add smoke, fire, steam and other visual effects. - Experiment with melting and morphing effects. - Turn playblasts, viewport renders and clay renders into more polished shots. - Add lighting, materials and detail while referencing your original animation. Some results can be generated in around two minutes for approximately $0.60, as demonstrated in the video. Costs and results vary by model and settings. Tools & models: AI video generators · Video-to-video models Limitations: AI can alter the original shot, introduce visual artefacts or fail to follow animation accurately. These were interesting tests, but I don’t use Ai video in client work.

AI directly inside Cinema 4D

AI integrations can let compatible language models interact with Cinema 4D tools, potentially helping with scene organisation, object creation, render setup and automation. Technology: Maxon Cinema 4D · MCP server It's still early days, and results can be inconsistent, slow or expensive depending on the model and task.

Final thoughts

AI can reduce the technical work involved in creating motion graphics, but it doesn't automatically make the work better. Creative judgement, storytelling and a solid understanding of 3D fundamentals still matter. There are also legitimate concerns around AI training practices, artists' rights and jobs. The tools featured here are examples from my own experimentation, not an endorsement of every provider or its practices.

Try AI Studio

Want to experiment with different AI models without juggling lots of separate platforms? Visit cgshortcuts.com/ai to try my free Ai Studio app and find the poll where you can tell me what you'd like to see next.

Important disclaimers

- Results vary: AI output, quality, consistency, generation time and cost depend on the model, prompt, settings and source material. - Confidentiality: Check NDAs, client contracts and studio policies before using AI with project materials. Don't upload confidential or proprietary content without permission. - Commercial use: Licensing and usage rights vary by provider and model. Check the current terms before using generated content commercially. - Review your results: AI can introduce errors, artefacts and unwanted changes. Inspect outputs before using them in finished work. - Costs and availability: Models, prices and service terms can change. Figures mentioned in the video reflect my own tests and aren't guarantees.