Importing SD Files

Owned by thomas (Unlicensed)
Last updated: 23 Jun, 2015

SD is RealFlow's standard geometry format and supported by the → connectivity plugins. SD files support triangulated objects, key-based animation, vertex displacement, and UV coordinates.

  • SD files are loaded to RealFlow with Ctrl/Cmd + I.

 

Imported nodes.

 

There are a few more things about SD files you should know:

  • It is not possible to load more than SD per scene with Ctrl/Cmd + I, but a SD file can contain more than one object.
  • Multiple SD files can be imported with Geometry shelf > MultiBody, but here you will not have access to the file's individual elements.
  • If you delete one object from an imported SD then the remaining objects will be removed as well. You will receive a warning in this case.
  • UVs are taken from the SD in exactly the same way as they have been stored in your 3D program.

Useful Commands

  • SD files can be edited and changed externally without having to reimport them. To update an SD please use the Ctrl/Cmd + U shortcut.
  • You will get a warning if an imported object's topology has changed after the update. If the object has been used in a simulation already you have to re-simulate.
  • Normal direction is of particular importance, e.g. for collisions and fluid-object interaction. The normals can be made visible under Selected Node > Node Params > Display > Show normals.
  • If you want to change their direction go to Selected Node > Node Params > Display > Normal facing > Reversed.



Unlocking Objects from SD Files

By default, imported objects from SD files are locked to preserve their animation data. To unlock an object, click on

  • Selected object > Node Params > Node > SD ↔ Curve

  • All stored translations will be baked into animation keys.

  • If the object contains vertex-based displacement this information will be lost, but can be restored.

  • To get the previously stored information please click on “SD ↔ Curve” again. If the SD has been overwritten during simulation it is not possible to restore the original state.