An initial state is a starting point for a new simulation. A typical example is a glass of water:

1. In the first step, the glass has to be filled with particles.
2. Then, the fluid needs some time to relax and calm down.
3. Finally, the calmed water can be used for the main simulation, e.g. for ice cubes falling into the glass.

Here is how to achieve this:

• Pour particles into a glass and stop the simulation (step 2 in the list above) when the fluid is calm.
• Then press the “Make Initial State” button in the node's "Node Params" panel (A).
• Set “Use Initial State” to “Yes”.
• Activate the “Reset To InitialState” option next to the “Reset” button. (B)
• Reset the scene. The initial state will be loaded on the first simulation frame.
• Simulate again, but this time with the ice cubes.

A. Dyverso domain's "Initial State" panel.

B. Where to find the "Reset to Initial State" option.

RealFlow writes out a single file to the project's "initial state" folder. Initial states can be created from any simulation node: Dyverso and Hybrido nodes, standard particle emitters, rigid and soft bodies, MultiJoints, and RealWave meshes.