Caching MASH networks for rendering

Due to the procedural nature of certain MASH nodes, it is generally recommended that you cache any network that uses them to get fast, predictable results at render time. This is most important for simulation type nodes, including:

• Flight
• Spring
• Trails
• Any Velocity based effects (by default in the Color and Time nodes, though you can also access this attribute via custom Python script as well)
• Any time Add mode is used by a Falloff node

The process for caching a MASH network differs depending on its current Geometry Type.

To cache a MASH network when using the Instancer

1. Open the Waiter node's Attribute Editor.
2. In the Caching section, open the Cache Creator.
3. Set the appropriate options, then click Create Caches.

To cache a MASH network when using the Repro mesh

1. Select the repro mesh and select Cache > Alembic Cache > Export Selection to Alembic to export the mesh to an Alembic cache.
2. Re-import the Alembic cache into your scene (Cache > Alembic Cache > Import Alembic).
3. Delete or disable the rest of the MASH network.

Note: As an alternative to steps 3 and 4, you can render the cache directly using a 3rd party rendering tool such as Vray Proxies.