EC - General Structure

"Export Central" is a so-called modal window. This means that underlying elements of the user interface cannot be accessed as long as the window is open. In the first view you can see two main sections:

• The node tree

• The button bar

The scene tree is dynamically updated whenever a new node enters the current scene. Each object, emitter or mesh is added to the scene tree and gets its own settings. The different symbols already indicate the various object groups available and care for a visual support, making it easier to find the appropriate item. This layout will be used later to introduce and explain the file formats that can be stored with an object.

RealFlow’s "Export Central" dialogue with node tree and button bar.

Whenever a new object is added to the current scene, it is grouped to the appropriate group and listed below. In this case, the branch shows a little “+” or “-” symbol to expand or collapse the section and provide access to the desired item.

Button Bar

The button bar on the right of the "Export Central" window is a very convenient facility, especially with large numbers of objects. With the different buttons it is easy to establish a fast workflow and activate/deactivate export functions simultaneously.

Update Time Line Cache

Use this button to reload all previously simulated data from the hard disk and load them into the cache for playing back or resuming simulations

File name options...

It directly opens the file name dialogue that is also located under “Export”. You can adjust file names without closing and reopening "Export Central".

Scene Variables Editor...

For a complete description, please follow this link.

Clean

This useful function helps you to selectively clean your data folders directly out of RealFlow. It is easy to use: you just select a data format, for example “Particles cache (.rpc)” from the “Hybrido Domains” branch and highlight it with a single click. Now, the “Clean” button becomes active. When you click on it, RealFlow asks you if you are really sure you want to delete all the RPC files from the related folder. If you want to do so, confirm with “OK”. Please note that this action cannot be undone and the files are lost.

Open Folder

It is often required to check a folder and its files. This function allows you to directly jump to a certain directory without browsing through the entire hard disk. To use it, click on the desired resource, for example “Particles cache -Alembic- (.abc), and press “Open Folder”.

Alternative Paths

For a complete description, please follow this link.

Export None

This is a real time saver, because it deactivates all options for existing nodes in one pass.

Export All

...is just the opposite of “Export None”.

All Objects

With this feature you can activate the default export options for all objects and solid bodies.

All Meshes

It is used to activate the default export options for all meshes.

All Particle Emitters

You can activate the default export options for all standard particle emitters here.

All Grid Emitters

If you want to activate the default export options for all grid emitters, except mist, click on this button.

All Grid Domains

To activate the default export options for all grid domains, that is the right place.

All Mists

It lets you activate the default export options for all grid-based mist emitters.

Done

When you are ready, close the dialogue and confirm your settings. Instead of applying your actions, you can close "Export Central" and discard everything with the ESC key.