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Animation Cache

by Bowstone Studios·Workflow

Images © Bowstone Studios. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Animation Cache earns its place in the superhive library for a focused job: taking recalculation out of playback by caching frames in memory, so motion can be reviewed at a set frame rate without waiting on physics and simulations.

What is Animation Cache?

Animation Cache is a Blender addon from Bowstone Studios that improves animation playback by storing animation data in a temporary memory cache. Instead of recalculating object movement, deformations, physics, and simulations in real time during playback, the addon preloads and stores frames, so Blender plays back cached data rather than recomputing every frame.

Caching runs from a single click, and playback starts with a "Play from Cache" command that skips recalculating physics or simulations. You can choose a playback frame rate of 12, 24, 30, or 60 FPS, and because playback is independent of real-time processing, you can review motion in slow motion, at normal speed, or fast forward. Stepped keyframes can be converted into fluid animation curves through smooth keyframe interpolation, and you can stop at any point to adjust the scene.

The addon covers character animation, physics simulations, and motion graphics. It supports Blender 3.4 through 5.0, is released under the GPL license, and ships with documentation.

Who is Animation Cache best for?

Animation Cache is best for character animation, physics simulations, and motion graphics where smooth playback matters.

How much does Animation Cache cost?

Animation Cache is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Stores animation data in a temporary memory cache for playback
  • Playback frame rate selectable at 12, 24, 30, or 60 FPS
  • "Play from Cache" plays back without recalculating physics or simulations
  • Converts stepped keyframes into fluid animation curves through smooth keyframe interpolation
  • Single-click caching, with the option to stop and adjust the scene at any time
  • Documentation included

Tags

#Blender#animation#playback#caching#keyframes#physics simulation#motion graphics

Frequently asked questions

Does Animation Cache work with Blender 5.0?

Animation Cache supports Blender versions 3.4 through 5.0, so it covers a wide span of releases across that range. If you're running a build within those versions, the addon is listed as compatible. It's released under the GPL license and comes with documentation, which is worth reviewing for setup details specific to your Blender build. For anything outside the stated 3.4 to 5.0 range, check the developer's page before installing, since compatibility beyond those versions isn't stated.

What playback frame rates does Animation Cache support?

Animation Cache lets you choose a playback frame rate of 12, 24, 30, or 60 FPS, so you can match playback to your project or performance needs. Because playback runs from cached frames rather than real-time processing, it stays independent of the recalculation that normally slows things down. That independence also means you can review motion in slow motion, at normal speed, or fast forward. Pick the frame rate that fits, cache your animation, then play it back from memory.

Does Animation Cache recalculate physics during playback?

Animation Cache plays back from stored frames using its "Play from Cache" command, which avoids recalculating physics or simulations on each pass. Normally Blender computes object movement, deformations, physics, and simulations in real time during playback, which can slow things in detailed scenes. By preloading and storing frames in a temporary memory cache, the addon skips that recalculation during playback. You can also convert stepped keyframes into fluid animation curves, and stop at any point to adjust your scene.

Is Animation Cache free to download?

Animation Cache is listed as free in this catalog. Licensing terms can change, so for current pricing and license details it's best to check the developer's page directly. The addon is distributed under the GPL license, and it ships with documentation covering how to use it. If you want the most up-to-date information on how it's offered, the developer's page is the place to confirm before you download it.

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