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.

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