> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://shaheerxansari.gitbook.io/hydroportdoc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://shaheerxansari.gitbook.io/hydroportdoc/sequencer.md).

# Sequencer

HydroPort registers a custom object-bound Sequencer track named **Fluid Cache**. It drives an imported cache using the Level Sequence time relative to the section start.

## From imported fluid to animated sequence

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Place a HydroPort Actor

Place a **HydroPort Actor** in the level.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Import the cache

Prepare the import settings and import the `.abc` cache.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Enable Alembic animation

Enable **Play Alembic Animation** on the actor. The code's Sequencer evaluation checks this property.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Set Playback Mode to "Sequencer"

In the Import Cinematic Settings, change your Editor Preview Mode to **Sequencer.**

<figure><img src="https://3163553392-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWkKBDCamr3MmFrohl56q%2Fuploads%2FoZAlPbU8YvucCqXP2ucy%2Fplaybackmode.png?alt=media&amp;token=2fea08b3-3ea2-41a8-8dcf-238a5f6a7d06" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Create or open a Level Sequence

Create or open a **Level Sequence**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Bind the actor

Add the HydroPort Actor as a bound actor in the sequence.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Add the Fluid Cache track

Use that actor's **+ Track** menu and choose **Fluid Cache**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Check playback settings

Check **Alembic FPS**, **Playback Speed**, **Start/End Frame**, and loop behavior.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Preview and render

Play or scrub to inspect approximate editor preview, then render through MRQ for final output.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

<figure><img src="https://3163553392-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWkKBDCamr3MmFrohl56q%2Fuploads%2F5MskSDHfb0ep5bOppahh%2FFluidCacheAdd.png?alt=media&amp;token=51c038f1-4def-4682-9805-9d81ee3ccf14" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## How section time works

The Sequencer track measures time **relative to the section's start**. The actor converts elapsed seconds to an Alembic sample using its FPS, playback speed, and frame range. A negative playback speed selects samples in reverse order.

## Editor preview versus final rendering

| Mode                 | Behavior                                                                                         |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Editor Sequencer** | Asynchronous/latest-request-wins preview. Rapid scrubbing may not show every intermediate frame. |
| **Cinematic / MRQ**  | Requests exact frames and uses limited next-frame prefetch for sequential rendering.             |

For a detailed render setup, continue to [Movie Render Queue & Motion Blur](/hydroportdoc/mrq-and-motion-blur.md).