Kumiko Generator Plugin for Cinema 4D

Kumiko Generator for Cinema 4D

plugin that creates Japanese-inspired geometric patterns and honeycomb structures as spline objects.

Version: 1.0
Compatibility: Cinema 4D R25+

Features

- Create precise hexagonal honeycomb structures with customizable dimensions

- Seven different traditional Japanese Kumiko patterns

- Adjustable hexagon radius and spacing between elements

- Set horizontal and vertical counts for your desired layout

- Option to fill edges completely or create clean boundaries

- Automatic grouping of generated elements for easy management

Available Patterns

Hexagonal honey comb (Default), Asanoha Option 1, Asanoha Option 2, Tsumiishi-kikko, Mitsukude, Sakura, Mikado, Goma

How to Use

1. Copy the KumikoGenerator folder to your Cinema 4D plugins directory

2. Restart Cinema 4D

3. The plugin will appear in the Plugins menu

Basic Usage

1. Launch the Plugin: Go to Plugins → Kumiko Generator

2. Set Grid Parameters:

- Horizontal count: Number of hexagons across (1-100)

- Vertical count: Number of hexagons down (1-100)

- Hexagon radius: Size of each hexagon in centimeters (0.1-1000)

- Spacing: Distance between hexagons in centimeters (0-100) (Use spacing between hexagons to avoid intersecting geometry.)

3. Choose Options:

- Group objects: Organizes all elements into a structured hierarchy

- Create edge fill splines: Creates a clean edge

- Add Kumiko pattern: Choose from the seven available Kumiko patterns

4. Generate: Click OK to create your structure

5. Create Geometry: Connect splines using the 'Connect and Delete' command or a 'Connect' object. Place an 'Extrude' object without caps on top, then add a 'Thicken' generator above it in Advanced mode. Set Splines Interpolation Points to Uniform if they don't extrude.

Output Structure

When “Group objects” is enabled, the plugin creates an organized hierarchy:

- Kumiko Structure (main group)

- Hexagons: All hexagonal spline objects

- Triangles: Triangular pattern elements

- Inner Lines: Connecting lines and internal elements

- Stars: Star-shaped pattern elements

Technical Details

- All generated elements are Spline Objects for maximum flexibility

- Hexagons are closed splines that can be easily extruded or modified

- Pattern elements are precisely clipped to fit within their hexagon boundaries

- All objects are properly named for easy identification

- Real-time progress bar for large pattern generations (lower left in C4D UI)

- Full Cinema 4D undo/redo functionality

Use Cases

Architectural Design

Product Design

Visualization

Artistic Projects

Tips and Best Practices

For Best Results

- Start with smaller grids (5x5) to test all patterns

- Use integer values for radius and spacing when using Kumiko patterns (will be rounded automatically)

- Enable grouping for better organization of large structures

Be Creative

- Combine different patterns for variety

- Use different hexagon sizes for visual interest

- Experiment with spacing values for different densities

- Extrude splines to create 3D structures

- Apply materials and textures to enhance visual appeal

Known issue

With larger Kumiko grids, a hexagon cell may appear outside the clipping area when 'Create Edge Fill Splines' is enabled. But this can simply be deleted.

The Kumiko Generator creates mathematically precise geometric patterns inspired by traditional Japanese woodworking techniques. All patterns are generated as editable spline objects, allowing for further customization and modification within Cinema 4D.

Developed by Daniel Weinlein
Version 1.0
© 2025