Scripting with Python and Xpresso

Scripting offers a way to extend Cinema 4D programmatically. Cinema 4D offers its own C.O.F.F.E.E. script language, as well as a complete Python API. C.O.F.F.E.E. is faster and supported in CINEMA 4D Lite, but the Python API is tremendously more powerful and industry standard. Most developers focus on the Python API unless C4D Lite compatibility is important. Cinema 4D also has a complete C++ API for advanced plugin development.

Quickstart

Cineversity offers several video tutorials and code snippets to help you get started.

Introduction to Python in C4D

Learn the basics of scripting using Cinema 4D’s Python API, including essential syntax, object creation and adjusting object position and other attributes.

Python Scripting

Build a custom layout for Python scripting, create a simple script to zero an object’s coordinates, and learn how to prepare Python scripts for distribution.

Cineversity Wiki :: Scripting

Reference the Cineversity Wiki for focused information and script examples on many key topics related to scripting and plugin development.

Trade Show Presentations

Searching for a little inspiration? These presentations from industry pros will show you amazing visuals you can create using simple python code.

Cinema 4D Python Scripting - NAB 2015 Rewind

In this double-shot of Cinema 4D scripting presentations Colin Sebestyen and Mike Senften show how they use the Cinema 4D Python SDK to create beautiful generative art. They cover L-Systems, the Python Effector, and ways of applying concepts from The Art of Code.

Projects

Now that you’ve got a basic grounding in Cinema 4D’s Python SDK and some sense of the possibilities, it’s time to start coding useful projects!

Creating a Custom Python Effector

Use Python to build a custom MoGraph Effector, and gain an understanding of the MoGraph API as well as conditions, looping and reading UserData.

Python Export OBJ Sequence

Learn the fundamentals of scripting with loops and animation, exporting and communicating status while creating a script to export sequenced OBJ files.

XpressoMaker

Discover how to manipulate Xpresso through Python scripting, creating and connecting nodes for UserData and PoseMorph. This tutorial provides an in-depth look at the scripting process, the graphview (Xpresso) API, and building recursive functions.

Official Maxon Sources

Learn more at these official Maxon sources for developer information.

PluginCafe

Reference and download Cinema 4D’s COFFEE, Python and C++ API documentation, ask questions and search for answers in the developer support forums and obtain plugin ids.