Softimage Hair & Dynamics

[SheepFactory]

from the manual:

Caching Files for Playback
You can cache dynamic simulation files for faster playback using the options in the Hair Dynamics Operator property editor. Caching the simulation to file means you can move to any frame and get an update, as well as play the simulation backward. It also provides for consistent rendering results and motion blur.

By default, the Cache Mode is set to Live (no caching) so that you can work with the time looped and have the hair update constantly based on any changes you make to the hair parameters.



If you keep the cache files, make sure to check the storage folder you have defined for them and delete any unused files. These can build up and take up lots of space if you don’t occasionally do some housecleaning!
To increase the speed of the playback, mute any viewport that you’re not using by middle-clicking its letter (A, B, C, or D).



To write to and read from cache files
Select Read & Write as the Cache Mode. When you change a hair parameter, the simulation is reset and the cache is cleaned, but nothing is recomputed until you change frames.




Enter a location and name for the cache file. By default, it writes to the Simulation folder of the current project (with Rel selected, meaning relative to the current project). If you want to use the actual folder path, enter it in its entirety and click Abs.
Play the simulation to cache the files.
Click Clear Cache to delete the current cache files in the folder; that is, it won’t clear cache files with names different from what is currently set for the Filename. The dynamics are not reset when you delete the cache.
Click Reset Dynamics to reset the hair to its state at the time that dynamics was applied to the style.


The cache file is not automatically copied with the scene if you save it in a new project. Make sure to copy the cache files to the Simulation folder (or wherever you want them) in the new project so that you don’t lose valuable data!



To have the dynamics read from cache files
Select Read only if you want the dynamics to read data from the current cache file, but not write new cache files, even when you make a change to the hair.

[Shinova]

Speaking of hair, is it possible to rig it or something to allow me to fine-tune/comb it?

[wmendez]

Originally posted by Shinova
Speaking of hair, is it possible to rig it or something to allow me to fine-tune/comb it?

There is a comb feature on the modify tab are you speakingof something else?

You can also stylize your har segments by enabing the stretch hair segments on the PPG or by clicking on the Stretchy button on the hair panel once you are done you can hit fix so that the segments are redistributed.

[tachy0n]

Also once the hair are in stretchy mode (XSI 3.5+ only) you can indeed rig them or use other deformers like lattices etc. if thats what you need.

[Fred Heys]

I did as you said Sheep Factory by caching the wind and its all good now...Thanks alot!

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