FAQ - Workflow

Owned by thomas (Unlicensed)
Last updated: 10 Jun, 2014 by gustavo (Unlicensed)
How do I import the RealFlow data into my 3D platform, and which connectivity plugins are available for RealFlow?

A full list of all the plugins with which RealFlow is compatible, is available here

What is the optimal scale to work in RealFlow?

Unfortunately, there is no global rule for scene scales, but working at real scale helps you to perform faster simulations. Most of the connectivity plugins provide settings for compensating scale differences. RealFlow's viewport grid can be used as a reference and with a scale of 1.0, each grid element has a size of 1m x 1m.

How much are the RealFlow connectivity plugins?

All connectivity plugins supported by Next Limit Technologies are free for RealFlow customers.

Do I have to install my RealFlow connectivity plugin separately?

Yes, you should download your connectivity plugin from the download page and run it as a separate installation. These plugins are not included in the RealFlow installer, and if you do not download and install your connectivity plugin, your 3D/ CAD application will not be able to recognize RealFlow's file formats.

Where can I download my RealFlow connectivity plugin?

You can get your connectivity plugin from the same page ("Customer Gateway") where you downloaded RealFlow. There you will find a separate section for plugins.

Can I download/ install more than one RealFlow connectivity plugin on my computer?

Yes, you can download and install as many connectivity plugins as you like. For example, it is possible to have the 3ds Max and the Maya connectivity plugins for RealFlow on the same machine.

How do I know if I have the latest version of my RealFlow connectivity plugin?

Some plugins support automatic updates and will notify you when a new version is available. In addition, whenever we release a new version of the main software, or a plugin we will post notifications on the official RealFlow website, social media channels, and send emails to all RealFlow customers.

Which file formats are supported by RealFlow?

The following file formats are currently supported:

  • Input 3D geometry: LWO, ASC, DXF, OBJ, MXS, SD, ABC
  • Output 3D geometry: SD, OBJ, LWO, MD, ABC, ASS
  • Input images: TGA, BMP, JPG, PNG, TIF, EXR, HDR
  • Output images: TGA, BMP, JPG, PNG, TIF, AVI, MOV, EXR, HDR
  • Volumetric data: F3D, VDB
How can I import a file or scene into RealFlow?

To import scene data in RealFlow you have to install the appropriate connectivity plugin for your 3D platform. Then, export the data in one of the file formats supported by RealFlow by using the shelf tools that will appear once installed.

Will you support the latest version of my application?

We are aware of the development cycles of the hosting applications (3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Lightwave, XSI), but it is normally not possible to release an update for a RealFlow connectivity plugin at the same time as the application is updated. However, our intention is always to release the update as soon as possible.

Will you create RealFlow connectivity plugins for currently unsupported applications?

Unfortunately it is not possible to support every applications on the market. If there is a plugin you particularly want, please let us know. We always try to consider the needs of our customers. However, please bear in mind that we have to distribute our resources carefully, and new connectivity plugins will be added on the basis of a major and extensive demand from a significant number of our customers. Any new developments will be announced on our official website, in the forum, and in an email to our customers.