Houdini

Houdini is a 3D content creation package built around a procedural, node-based way of working. Each action is stored in a node, and nodes are wired into networks that act as editable recipes, so artists can try several variations quickly.

What Houdini offers

• Visual effects simulation — fluids, destruction, pyro, grains and cloth.
• Environment building — procedural terrain, oceans and clouds, with scattering for foliage and rocks.
• Lookdev and lighting — USD-based Solaris tools, with Karma for rendering.
• Character tools — KineFX rigging, plus hair, fur, feathers, muscles, cloth and crowds.
• Pipeline tools — PDG for task distribution and machine learning datasets.

Who it works with

Film, television and games artists. Several editions exist: FX for commercial studios, Core for modellers, riggers and game artists, Indie for small studios, Apprentice for learners and an Education version for schools.

Key facts

• Maker: SideFX
• Editions: FX, Core, Indie, Apprentice and Education