Can GI cache now be safely deleted without deleting the actual required GI data?

Unity Engine
1

Hello,
As of Unity 5.1, can the GI cache now be deleted without deleting the actual GI data (i.e snapshot files, .exr, lightmap data)?
I know previously doing this resulted in deleting all the required GI data.

Thanks.

2

I work in 5.1.0f3 and it still happens.

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3

Clearing the GI Cache using the button in the preferences window will not delete the snapshots etc. in your Assets folder.

4

So we should move the .exr file(s) and lightSnapshot.asset file to the assets folder before deleting the GI cache?
Thanks.

5

That shouldn’t be needed. if you hit the Build button in the Lighting window, a lightmap snapshot is created in the Assets folder for you. That snapshot contains all the GI files, .exr’s, etc. from the cache you need for lighting the scene.

6

Ive tested it out and it doesnt seem to be the case that the Gi files and exrs are not deleted.
They are deleted when the Clear cache button is pressed.

Before deleting cache: The .exrs and snapshot are in the assets folder. They were automatically placed there

2205918--146567--beforeDelete.png

After the “Clean Cache” button is pressed, the files are automatically deleted from the assets.
2205918--146568--afterDelete.png

I can save the .exr and snapshot and restore them after clearing the cache, but they have to be copied out of the assets folder.

If this is the way it is supposed to work, then I think the term “cache” is just very misleading.
(using unity 5.1.1)

7

I see your point and it struck me that we actually do have a bug here: case 635396: Lightmap snapshot gets cleared when clearing GI Cache.

8

I have fixed the bug now, should be out in 5.2.

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