OpenUSD Instancing Frequently Asked Questions#

What are the differences between Scenegraph Instancing and Point Instancing?#

Scenegraph Instancing

  • Composition-based instancing

  • Implicit prototypes derived from composition arcs

  • Instance and instance descendants identifiable via path

  • Each instance has an instanceable prim that’s editable, but the subgraph–instance proxy–is read-only

  • Transparent deinstancing

  • Good for reusing complex components (e.g. shelf assemblies, robots)

Point Instancing

  • Schema-based instancing

  • Explicit prototypes specified in scene description

  • Instances identifiable via index

  • Invasive deinstancing

  • May be combined with scenegraph instancing

  • Good for massive numbers of simpler items where the overhead of an instance outweights the benefits of reuse. (e.g. leaves on trees)