Where Does Cinema 4D Store Preferences?
Cinema 4D keeps preferences in a versioned prefs folder under the MAXON application data path. Each major release uses its own folder.
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On Windows the prefs folder is under Roaming AppData in MAXON Cinema 4D <version>. On macOS it is under Library Preferences in MAXON CINEMA 4D <version>.
The <version> segment includes the release and build identifier, so paths change with upgrades. Use Edit > Preferences > Open Preferences Folder inside the app to open the active location directly.
Where Cinema 4D stores this, by platform
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\MAXON\Cinema 4D <version>\prefs
<version> is the release and build ID. Each installed release keeps separate preferences. <username> is the Windows account name.
/Users/<username>/Library/Preferences/MAXON/CINEMA 4D <version>/prefs
<version> is the release and build ID. Each installed release keeps separate preferences. <username> is the macOS account name.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reset Cinema 4D preferences?
Close the app, rename the prefs folder for the active version, then relaunch. A fresh prefs folder is created on start.
Why do settings disappear after an upgrade?
Upgrades create a new versioned folder and do not copy old prefs automatically. Copy needed files from the prior version folder or use the in app preferences folder shortcut to compare.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.