Creating Keyframe Animation in C4D
The steps to create keyframe animation in Cinema 4D (C4D) are relatively simple. Keyframe animation involves moving or rotating objects and setting up their positions and actions in advance. This is an essential technique for keyframe animation. Today, I'll provide an overview of some common steps for keyframe animation in C4D.
1. Start Your Project:
After launching Cinema 4D, click on "File" in the top-left corner and select "New" to create a new scene.
2. Add and Select Objects:
In the library panel on the right side, locate the object you want to use and drag it into the viewport. In the viewport, select the object you just added by clicking on it.
3. Set Keyframes:
To set keyframes for the object's position, rotation, or scale, you first need to open the "Timeline" panel. This panel is usually located at the bottom of the interface. Ensure that the time slider is at the position where you want to set the first keyframe. By default, C4D has a timeline length of 90 frames. In the "Motion" menu (shortcut: F9), find the property you want to adjust (e.g., position, rotation, or scale). These properties are usually found in the top parameter tabs. Adjust the position, rotation, or scale of your object to the desired initial state and click the yellow circle next to the adjusted property (or press the 'S' key) to set a keyframe. You should see a small yellow dot appear on the timeline at this point.
4. Create Animation Changes:
Move the time slider to the next position where you want to change the object's state. Once again, adjust the object's position, rotation, or scale to the new state, and set another keyframe (by clicking the yellow circle or pressing 'S').
5. Preview and Render the Animation:
You can preview your animation by pressing the spacebar. If you're satisfied with the preview, you can choose to render the animation. Click the "Render Settings" button in the top toolbar, configure the output format and quality, and click "Start Render."
These steps provide a basic overview of creating keyframe animation in C4D. Keyframe animation allows you to animate objects over time by defining their positions and actions at specific keyframes along the timeline.