Modeling With Generators

In this lesson, we explore modeling with Generators in Cinema 4D — a powerful, non-destructive approach that lets you build complex geometry from simple splines and shapes.

We start by introducing the Generator menu and show how to customize the interface by tearing off menus and docking them for faster access. From there, we dive straight into practical examples using some of the most important generators you’ll use every day.

First, we look at the Extrude Generator, using a Star spline to turn a flat 2D shape into a 3D object. You’ll learn how generators differ from deformers — generators must be parents of the objects they affect — and how to control thickness, subdivisions, and edge bevels directly from the generator’s Caps settings.

Next, we move on to the Loft Generator, which creates a mesh by blending multiple splines together. By duplicating and scaling star splines, we model the cupcake wrapper from the example render. This demonstrates how increasing Subdivision U is critical for preserving spline detail, and how reshaping individual splines gives you full control over the final form without touching polygons. We then add thickness non-destructively using the Thicken Generator.

To model the cupcake itself, we use the Lathe Generator. Drawing a spline profile with the Spline Pen in front view, we emphasize the importance of keeping points aligned to the world center using the Coordinate Manager and snapping. The lathe revolves the profile around an axis, instantly creating a clean, editable shape.

We then explore the Sweep Generator, combining a path spline with a profile spline to extrude shapes along curves. You’ll see how to smooth hand-drawn splines, taper sweeps interactively, and completely change the result by swapping out the profile spline.

After that, we look at working with vector artwork using the Vector Import Generator. By importing an Illustrator file, we convert 2D vector shapes into 3D objects, make them editable, and modify their extrusion depth. We then use the Boolean Generator to subtract shapes and create more complex cut-outs, all while keeping everything live and adjustable.

Finally, we combine generators with deformers, placing a Bevel Deformer inside a Null with a Boolean setup to soften edges across the entire result. We also cover fixing shading artifacts by adjusting Phong settings, and highlight how this same workflow was used to model other objects in the example render, like the laptop and smartphone.

Workflow tips covered in this lesson:

• Generators must be parents of the objects they affect

• Use generators to stay non-destructive for as long as possible

• Increase generator subdivisions to preserve spline detail

• Use the Coordinate Manager and snapping for precise alignment

• Combine generators and deformers for flexible, reusable setups

• Fix shading artifacts by adjusting Phong angle options

Shortcut Recap

• Ctrl + Drag – Duplicate objects or splines

• Alt + Click Generator – Make the generator a parent automatically

• C – Make a generator editable

• Alt + G – Group objects under a Null

• Viewport Solo – Isolate objects while editing

• Spline Smooth Tool – Clean up hand-drawn splines

More info on Generators

• More on Boole

• More on Cloth Surface

• More on Extrude

• More on Lathe

• More on Loft

• More on Sweep

• More on Connect

• More on Thicken

• More on Symmetry

• More on Vector Import

• More on Remesh

• More on Volume Builder

• More on Subdivision Surface