"Caching" means that RealFlow | Maya writes the simulation data to disk (one file per fluid/deformer/mesh node and frame) and saves them for later use, e.g. for replaying the simulation or exchange with other programs.

We recommend watching the intro video about caching simulation in the → "Workflow - Video Hub" repository.

Axis Setup

Choose the axis setup for determining the scene's height axis.

Houdini/Maya = Y points towards the user whileX points to the right and Z points up.
Cinema 4D/RealFlow = Z points away from the user while X points to the right and Y points up.

This option is important if you want to import or export meshes from or to other applications, and when meshes appear flipped or tilted.

Cache Folder

This is the path to the folder where the simulation files will be stored. If you want to preserve already existing files we recommend changing the "Cache Folder" with every simulation.

Use Cache

When enabled RealFlow | Maya will read existing cache files from the "Cache Folder". The viewport icon will also change and display "Cache".

Frame Offset

This parameter is only relevant with cached simulations and affects fluids, rigids, elastics, and meshes. You can specify a global frame offset, valid for all nodes. This global "Frame Offset" also affects the individual node offsets:

Total offset = frame offset + node-specific offset

Cache Simulation

When you click on this button RealFlow | Maya will simulate the adjusted frame range:

During this process, particles are visible and with the ESC key the process is interrupted.
RealFlow | Maya writes one Alembic particle file per frame and fluid/deformer container under the "Cache Folder" specified above.
Be careful, because already existing files will be overwritten!

Cache Meshes

To create and save meshes from an already cached simulation, press this button:

During this process, particles are not visible, but a progress bar informs you about the simulation's state and with “Cancel” the process is interrupted.
RealFlow | Maya writes one Alembic mesh file per frame and mesh container under the "Cache Folder" specified above.
Be careful, because already existing files will be overwritten!

Remove Cache

A click on this button prompts you to remove cache files related to the current scene or any cache file found in the folder. This action cannot be undone. The options are:

"Remove Scene Cache Files (N files)". Files in the cache folder that match the name of current scene fluids, meshes or rigid/elastic objects are removed. Initial states will be preserved.
"Remove Cache Folder (N files)". Files at top level of the cache folder will be removed.

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