Spirograph Generator Plugin for Cinema 4D

Spirograph Generator for Cinema 4D

plugin that creates mathematically precise spirograph patterns as traced spline objects—with presets, full parametric control, optional randomness, and 3D mode.

Version: 1.0

Compatibility: Cinema 4D R25+

Features

• Create precise spirograph curves and adaptive Bezier splines

• Curated mathematical presets (incl. Cardioid, Astroid, Lemniscate, etc.)

• Parametric control: large radius (R), small radius (r), pen offset (p)

• Optional parameter variation with per‑parameter ±% and random seed

• 3D mode with Helix, Spiral, and Wave Z‑motion (amplitude/frequency/phase)

• Animation‑ready: auto‑key framed Null over a user‑defined frame range

• Automatic grouping and descriptive naming for clean scene management

• Project‑aware timing: uses your scene’s FPS

Available Presets

Cardioid (Heart Curve), Astroid (Star Curve), Hypocycloid, Lemniscate (Infinity Symbol), Star Pattern, Flower Pattern, Simple Circle, Dense Pattern

How to Use

1. Copy the SpirographGenerator 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 Extensions → Spirograph Generator.
2. Set Main Parameters
3. Choose Options
4. Generate: Click Generate to create the animated Null and the Tracer spline.
5. Render: We recommend using the Redshift object tag for the tracer object in “Cylinders” curve mode.

Technical Details

• Auto‑key frames the Null position in X/Y (and Z if 3D mode is enabled), based on your FPS and frame count

• Tracer spline: Bezier, adaptive interpolation (Can also be set to cubic, but results may vary.)

• Preset selection can auto‑apply R/r/p; inputs are validated for safe ranges

• Reproducible variation via seed; descriptive object naming with parameters embedded

Use Cases

Motion Graphics, Title Design, Abstract Line Art, Generative Backgrounds, Camera/Light Paths, Spline Bases for Sweeps/Extrudes

Tips and Best Practices

For Best Results

• Start with moderate frame counts when exploring patterns

• Increase Pattern Complexity to ensure visually closed figures

• Use seed‑controlled variation to iterate reproducibly
  

Be Creative

• Mix presets with small parameter tweaks for new motifs

• Add subtle 3D Z‑motion for depth and parallax

• Sweep with different profiles for varied thickness and style

• Combine multiple generated splines for layered compositions

Developed by Daniel Weinlein
Version 1.0
© 2025