Overview

Depending on the complexity of the images and the number of composing elements (2D layers, 3D scenes, lighting, shadows, etc.), calculation time can vary. Each time Autograph calculates an image, it's stored so that it can be replayed in the fastest way possible in order to comply with the composition’s frame rate.

Autograph uses both RAM and physical storage to keep these images in memory through the concept of "virtual memory", which is managed by the operating system. When you want to play a composition that lasts several minutes, you’re not limited by your computer’s available RAM. Autograph optimizes its cache by only storing the images that really need to be stored. If the engine can calculate an image faster than the requested frame rate and play a composition in real time, this image won't be saved. In many cases, the storage process could take longer than the calculation itself.

Choose a fast storage

Because physical storage is used, it is highly recommended to store the cache on the fastest unit of your computer, like an SSD or NVMe. This will speed up data exchange, both when storing images and reloading them. The cache is divided into two groups described in the following sections.