What is CAD prop money?

CAD prop money refers to camera-ready, Canadian dollar–style prop bills created with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and produced specifically for visual media. These props are designed for realism on camera while remaining legally distinguishable from real currency.

Why filmmakers choose CAD prop bills

• Customization: CAD allows instant denomination changes, aging effects, and custom graphics to suit your scene.
• Consistency: 3D modeling and high-res textures ensure each bill looks identical under camera conditions.
• Durability: Production-grade materials and finishing processes withstand multiple takes and handling.
• Legal safety: Properly designed CAD bills carry visible disclaimers and altered security elements so they’re never mistaken for real currency.

From concept to camera: the CAD prop money workflow

1. Reference gathering: Collect high-resolution images and dimensional specs of the desired look (texture, typography, and color palette).
2. 3D modeling: Build a base model in Autodesk 3ds Max, Blender, or Cinema 4D capturing raised lettering and curvature for realistic shading.
3. Texturing & materials: Apply high-resolution textures and set up materials/shaders for photoreal rendering.
4. Rendering & lighting tests: Render test frames under set lighting to ensure believability on camera.
5. Physical production: Convert the design to print or manufacture using specialty paper, polymer substrates, or mixed-media props.

Materials & manufacturing for physical CAD prop money

Choosing the right materials determines on-set performance. Consider:

• Specialty paper (cotton blend) or polymer sheets for a realistic feel.
• Coatings (matte or satin) to reduce glare.
• Finishing touches (edge painting or light distressing) for close-up authenticity.

Showcase: Our CAD product lines

PropMoneySet offers CAD-style CAD bills in a variety of grades for different production needs. Replace the placeholder links below with your compliant product pages when ready.

• CAD-style 20 CAD prop bills — close-up grade
• CAD-style 5 CAD prop bills — bulk & extras grade
• CAD-style 50 CAD prop bills — close-up & display sets

If you prefer, provide the updated product URLs and I’ll swap them into this post. Avoid publishing links that include the word “counterfeit”—use legal, descriptive URLs instead.

Legal & practical compliance — what to avoid

• Ensure prop bills are clearly marked “For Motion Picture Use Only” and “Not Legal Tender”.
• Do not reproduce exact working security features (active watermarks, functioning holograms).
• Keep prop money separated from real cash and document prop inventory.

On-set best practices

• Assign a props master to track and secure all prop money.
• Label prop packs and maintain a checkout log.
• Use dedicated close-up bills for macro shots and separate bulk notes for wide angles.
• Brief actors on legal constraints — prop money is for production use only.