Last updated on 30 June 2021
If you want to transform 2D vector artwork into 3D geometry, extrude in Maxon Cinema 4D is
one of the fastest ways. Extruding is also one of the main techniques when it comes to polygon modeling. In this article, I will cover some of the basic methods for extruding splines and polygons in Cinema 4D.
Depending on the situation you are using it in, Extruding in Cinema 4D can be used in different ways to do different things. For example, extruding can create new geometry out of the existing spline or Illustrator vector and new polygons out of editable objects.
Extrude Polygons in Cinema 4D With the Extrude Tool
In the modeling process, you will most likely make many extrusions to create new geometry that can be pushed or pulled to form your model. You can extrude points, lines, and polygons in the same manner — just make sure the object is set to editable mode.
Quick Guide: How to Extrude in Cinema 4D
To extrude geometry with the Extrude Tool inside Maxon Cinema 4D, you’re going to need to follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Modeling tools will not work on a parametric object; select the object and press “C” to make it editable.
Step 2
You have to select the polygons, lines, or points you want to extrude.
Step 3
Select the Extrude Tool with the selection active and Click & Drag with the mouse to extrude.
Pro tip:
By default, the extrude tool will keep adjacent polygons connected to change it, check or uncheck “Preserve Groups”.
Extrude faster with shortcuts
If you want to bring 3D modeling closer to a fast-paced operation, learning shortcuts will sure speed up the process. For fast extrusions in Cinema 4D, you can either hold down “M”+“T” to bring up the Extrusion Tool or you can select polygons, lines, or points. Use the movement axis handles while holding Control (on Windows) or Command (on macOS) to make extrusions in a more free form way.
Extrude Splines in Cinema 4D With Extrude Object
In the scenario in which you have a logo as an Illustrator file and you want to transform it to 3D, there will be no problem. In Cinema 4D, vector files can be brought in as splines and extruded to an object afterward. This process is really easy and fast, but first, you need to know a few things about how to import the Illustrator file.
Before anything else, make sure you connect all the joints inside the Illustrator file and clean everything up properly. Otherwise, the extrusion will be messed up and this will not help you at all. In the next step, make sure you save the Illustrator file as an Illustrator 8 version — this version of the file is the only one that Cinema 4D supports. Finally, import the file, and parent the splines to the Extrude Object; this way, you will extrude a new object out of the splines.
You can either do this with an Illustrator file, a preset spline from inside Cinema 4D, or make your own custom spline.
The excellent CV-ArtSmart plugin from Cineversity is also a nifty option to extrude in C4D. This plugin will easily add artwork from virtually any Adobe Illustrator or PDF file to Cinema 4D, apply offsets, extrusions, and materials.
Summary
There are a couple of ways to extrude in Cinema 4D. You can create new graphics easily with the press of a few buttons. Now you can model your own objects with the help of the extrusion tools inside Cinema 4D.
