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How to convert CINEMA-4D (.c4d) to DWG (AutoCAD, DXF)?

PolyTrans|CAD+DCC performs mathematically precise CAD, DCC/Animation, GIS and BIM 3D file conversions into all key downstream 3D packages and file formats. Okino software is used and trusted throughout the world by many tens of thousands of 3D professionals in mission & production critical environments, backed by respectable personal support directly from our core development team.

CINEMA-4D

CINEMA 4D (C4D) is a well known and respected 3D DCC/Animation software program by MAXON Computer of Germany. C4D came to take on a much larger market share in the 2010's decade (and beyond) once other animation packages waned or went out of business.

Okino has been MAXON's primary 3D conversion partner since 1998 and hence has very strong support for importing, exporting and converting C4D files without the need to have a local copy of C4D installed.

It should be noted that no software program can read or write 3ds Max (.max) or Maya (.ma) files, just as was the case with CINEMA 4D prior to release v12. Hence, as is little understood, the proper way to convert C4D files to/from 3ds Max is via the Okino PolyTrans-for-3dsMax system and to/from Maya via the Okino PolyTrans-for-3dsMaya system.

However, Okino's primary focus is to provide the main industry standard CAD file conversion support to C4D users.

DWG

DXF and DWG are the native file formats of the Autodesk AutoCAD product since 1982. DWG is the binary file variation to the ASCII DXF file format. These files can be viewed by many programs including Autodesk's free DWG TrueView application. It is a closed file format but has been documented by the Open Design Alliance.

At Okino we consider DXF/DWG to be one of the worst 3D file formats when translating 3D model data between applications (depending on its contents). There is very little understanding about this in the 3D graphics world. As outlined in our "CAD Data Sourcing Suggestons and Rules" page you should ideally use the DWF-3D file format when sourcing from either AutoCAD, Navisworks, Revit and optionally Autodesk Inventor.

Due to deep history, Autodesk software can embed ACIS SAT "BREP solids" data in some of its DXF/DWG files. This is the ideal case as the "BREP solids" geometry definitions lead to cleaner and higher fidelity MCAD file conversions. But even so, it would generally be a safer bet to use a STEP AP214 or "IGES BREP solids" file in such cases.

More Info: PolyTrans-for-CINEMA 4D

CINEMA-4D import converter's overview

DWG export converter's overview