Objects - Initial State

Yes, even objects can have an initial state and the workflow is exactly the same as for other nodes, but in this case the position information is, of course, not stored within a BIN file, but a SD. It makes no difference whether you have activated the node-specific “Animation (.sd)” file or the global ANIMATION (.sd) type under "Export Central".

Use Initial State

There are two options available with this setting: “No” and “Yes”. Yes allows you to use an initial state with the currently selected object, while “No” disables this possibility. Please note that initial states can be created individually for each object in your scene.

Make Initial State

This is the button to create and save the initial state file which will be used to resume the simulation exactly from this moment.

To use an initial state with a simulation it is not enough to activate “Use InitialState” – you also have to reset to this specific point. This can be done by tagging the “Reset To InitialState” option next to the "Reset" button. With the next reset, RealFlow will load the initial state file and the simulation starts from 0 again. Existing cache files will be overwritten with a new simulation. Normally it is not necessary to backup previously generated files, but if you need them, do not forget to change the appropriate export resource.

Here is the workflow:

• Make an initial state with the “Make Initial State” button.

• Set “Use Initial State” to “Yes”.

• Activate the “Reset To InitialState” option next to the “Reset” button.

• Optional: Backup your previous data or apply a new export name for the emitter.

• Reset the scene to load the initial state at frame 0 (or any other specified frame).

• Simulate, using the initial state.