Rendering Basics

In this lesson, we walk through the final rendering process in Cinema 4D using Redshift, covering everything from basic render settings to output workflows and simple post-production techniques.

We begin by preparing the scene for rendering, including a quick tip on how to refresh missing material previews using the Redshift materials tools. From there, we jump into the Render Settings, ensuring that Redshift is selected as the active renderer and reviewing the default settings.

For beginners, the Basic tab with Medium quality is more than enough to produce solid results, while the Advanced tab offers deeper control for optimization once you’re more comfortable with Redshift.

Next, we configure the Output settings, setting a standard resolution of 1920 x 1080 and ensuring the full animation frame range is selected. In the Save tab, we focus on one of the most important workflow habits: rendering to an image sequence instead of a video file.

You’ll learn how to:

• Disable unnecessary features like Multipass rendering for simple outputs

• Choose appropriate file formats like PNG, TIFF, or OpenEXR depending on your needs

• Use Render Tokens (such as $prj) to automatically name files based on your project

• Create a clean folder structure by organizing renders into a RENDER/project-name directory

Before committing to a full render, we preview the scene using the Redshift RenderView, allowing us to check lighting, materials, and overall quality. Once everything looks good, we render the animation using the Picture Viewer, where we can monitor frame progress and render times.

A key workflow tip covered here is to always test render a frame first before committing to a full sequence—this helps avoid wasting hours on incorrect settings or mistakes.

We also explore basic color correction and post effects directly inside Redshift, including:

• Exposure and vignette adjustments

• Tone mapping controls for highlights and shadows

• LUTs for quick color grading

• Curves for fine-tuned contrast

• Effects like Bloom, Flare, and Streak for stylized lighting

You’ll see how these effects appear in the RenderView first, and how they are only applied to the final render if Redshift Post Effects is enabled in the Render Settings.

Finally, we cover an important production tip:

Rendering directly to a video format (like MP4) is risky, as crashes can corrupt the entire file. Rendering to an image sequence ensures progress is saved frame-by-frame, allowing you to resume renders without losing work.

Workflow tips covered in this lesson:

• Always confirm Redshift is set as the renderer before rendering

• Use Medium quality for quick, efficient first renders

• Render to image sequences instead of video files for safety

• Use Render Tokens to automate file naming and organization

• Test render a single frame before committing to long renders

• Use RenderView to preview and refine your image

• Enable Redshift Post Effects to include color grading in final renders

• Organize output into structured folders for easier project management

Shortcut Recap

• Shift + R – Render to Picture Viewer

• Shift + F6 – Open Picture Viewer

• Redshift RenderView – Real-time render preview window

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Full Jumpstart course and additional resources at cgshortcuts.com/jumpstart

• Full Redshift Advanced Settings course on the website

• Tutorials covering Multipass rendering workflows

• Free options for converting image sequences into video files:

  • Shutter Encoder (Mac & Windows) – https://www.shutterencoder.com/

  • HandBrake (Mac & Windows) – https://handbrake.fr/

  • FFmpeg (Mac & Windows) – https://ffmpeg.org/download.html

  • Adapter (Mac & Windows) – https://macroplant.com/adapter/

  • Shotcut (Mac & Windows) – https://shotcut.org/

  • Avidemux (Mac & Windows) – http://avidemux.sourceforge.net/

  • QuickTime Player (Mac Native) – Pre-installed on macOS (File > Open Image Sequence)