Additional Information
3D Procedural Graphics Software for Film, TV & Gamedev
| Version | Houdini 20.0 |
| Requirements |
macOS 10.14 Mojave or later |
| Updated | December 11, 2023 |
| Author | SideFX |
| Category | Imaging and Digital Photo |
| License | Trial |
| Language | English |
| Download | 58 |
Overview
Houdini for Mac is built from the ground up to be a procedural system that empowers artists to work freely, create multiple iterations and rapidly share workflows with colleagues.
In Houdini for macOS, every action is stored in a node. These nodes are then “wired” into networks which define a “recipe” that can be tweaked to refine the outcome then repeated to create similar yet unique results. The ability for nodes to be saved and to pass information, in the form of attributes, down the chain is what gives the app its procedural nature.
It includes a wide variety of polygon, NURBS and subdivision surface modeling tools. Procedural techniques can be used to maintain a robust construction history and to create complex models such as environments. The Cloud FX tools offer an artist-friendly way of building, sculpting and rendering cloud formations. This workflow utilizes sparse volume sculpting tools created as part of the OpenVDB open source initiative.
It has an animator-friendly workflow which includes a channel editor, dope sheet and interactive timeline. Set keyframes on any parameter or use App’s Advanced Motion-editing tools for even more control. Program’s node-based approach fits perfectly with the working methodology of a typical character rigging TD. Characters can then be wrapped up into a single Digital Asset node and delivered to the animation team.
App’s lighting workflow provides a flexible and powerful environment for managing lights, building shaders and defining the look of a shot. Environment and GI lights work well with Mantra’s physically-based rendering. With the software, you can rely on a robust built-in rendering solution called Mantra or create custom support for a wide variety of third party renderers. Mantra is particularly good at rendering volumes such as smoke.
Features and Highlights
Artist Friendly Tools
While the nodes are what makes unique and give it power, there are lots of viewport and shelf tools that allow for artist-friendly viewport interactions. Behind the scenes, It builds up the nodes and networks for you. Houdini lets artists explore different creative paths because it is easy to branch off a new node to explore alternative solutions.
VFX & Simulation
Visual effects artists gravitate to the app because its procedural workflow is ideal for creating sophisticated particle and dynamic simulations. Effects are typically designed to react to actions taking place in a shot and a procedural solution “automates” these reactions providing studios with more creative control and more rapid turnaround.
Shots & Multiple Iterations
It lets you make creative decisions deep into production as changes made to program nodes cascade through the network to create a new and unique result. This directability is retained throughout the creative process and can be used to make last minute decisions that would be too costly in a traditional CG pipeline.
Pipeline in a Box
Whether you are setting up a shot or building a game level, the graphics app lets you create tools that can be reused many times during a project’s life cycle. Instead of simply reacting to issues and problems, you will be able to plan ahead and visualize and refine your pipeline.
Asset Creation Tools
A big benefit of the app’s node-based approach is the ability to encapsulate node networks into custom nodes that are shareable. Create these digital assets without writing any code then share them with other artists. With the Engine, open assets in other applications such as Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, C4D, UE4 and Unity with the asset’s procedural controls available for editing in the host app.
Film & TV
Create more shots under tight deadlines while achieving feature film quality results with App’s procedural node-based workflow. Experience unprecedented levels of flexibility and control to enhance both your creativity and productivity.
Gamedev
Game developers face a growing demand to build huge immersive worlds populated with vast amounts of content. In order to achieve great gameplay while meeting deadlines, a procedural approach using It offers a smarter way to create quality games.
Motion Graphics
Designers, animators and storytellers use motion graphics to create content that stimulates audiences using powerful and compelling visuals. Create a wide range of aesthetic and dynamic experiences using the app and its procedural node-based toolset.
VR
Virtual and Augmented Reality creates a complete experience that takes the viewer to places they've never been before. It provides a powerful set of tools that makes it easier to create and manage the content used to populate these amazing digital worlds.
Compare Products:
Houdini FX
It delivers a powerful and accessible 3D experience with its procedural node-based workflow, while providing tools for simulating fluids, destruction fx, pyro fx, grains, cloth and crowds.
Houdini CORE
The app is designed for modelers, lighters, character riggers, animators and game artists. Scenes and digital assets created in FX can be opened, manipulated and rendered in Core.
Houdini Indie
It makes all of the tool FX’s animation and VFX tools available under an indie license to animators and gamedevs who want to use the app during the incubation stage of their business.
Houdini Apprentice
With Apprentice, students and hobbyists have access to virtually all of the features of the award-winning FX which can be used to create personal non-commercial projects.
Note: 30 days trial version.
In Houdini for macOS, every action is stored in a node. These nodes are then “wired” into networks which define a “recipe” that can be tweaked to refine the outcome then repeated to create similar yet unique results. The ability for nodes to be saved and to pass information, in the form of attributes, down the chain is what gives the app its procedural nature.
It includes a wide variety of polygon, NURBS and subdivision surface modeling tools. Procedural techniques can be used to maintain a robust construction history and to create complex models such as environments. The Cloud FX tools offer an artist-friendly way of building, sculpting and rendering cloud formations. This workflow utilizes sparse volume sculpting tools created as part of the OpenVDB open source initiative.
It has an animator-friendly workflow which includes a channel editor, dope sheet and interactive timeline. Set keyframes on any parameter or use App’s Advanced Motion-editing tools for even more control. Program’s node-based approach fits perfectly with the working methodology of a typical character rigging TD. Characters can then be wrapped up into a single Digital Asset node and delivered to the animation team.
App’s lighting workflow provides a flexible and powerful environment for managing lights, building shaders and defining the look of a shot. Environment and GI lights work well with Mantra’s physically-based rendering. With the software, you can rely on a robust built-in rendering solution called Mantra or create custom support for a wide variety of third party renderers. Mantra is particularly good at rendering volumes such as smoke.
Features and Highlights
Artist Friendly Tools
While the nodes are what makes unique and give it power, there are lots of viewport and shelf tools that allow for artist-friendly viewport interactions. Behind the scenes, It builds up the nodes and networks for you. Houdini lets artists explore different creative paths because it is easy to branch off a new node to explore alternative solutions.
VFX & Simulation
Visual effects artists gravitate to the app because its procedural workflow is ideal for creating sophisticated particle and dynamic simulations. Effects are typically designed to react to actions taking place in a shot and a procedural solution “automates” these reactions providing studios with more creative control and more rapid turnaround.
Shots & Multiple Iterations
It lets you make creative decisions deep into production as changes made to program nodes cascade through the network to create a new and unique result. This directability is retained throughout the creative process and can be used to make last minute decisions that would be too costly in a traditional CG pipeline.
Pipeline in a Box
Whether you are setting up a shot or building a game level, the graphics app lets you create tools that can be reused many times during a project’s life cycle. Instead of simply reacting to issues and problems, you will be able to plan ahead and visualize and refine your pipeline.
Asset Creation Tools
A big benefit of the app’s node-based approach is the ability to encapsulate node networks into custom nodes that are shareable. Create these digital assets without writing any code then share them with other artists. With the Engine, open assets in other applications such as Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, C4D, UE4 and Unity with the asset’s procedural controls available for editing in the host app.
Film & TV
Create more shots under tight deadlines while achieving feature film quality results with App’s procedural node-based workflow. Experience unprecedented levels of flexibility and control to enhance both your creativity and productivity.
Gamedev
Game developers face a growing demand to build huge immersive worlds populated with vast amounts of content. In order to achieve great gameplay while meeting deadlines, a procedural approach using It offers a smarter way to create quality games.
Motion Graphics
Designers, animators and storytellers use motion graphics to create content that stimulates audiences using powerful and compelling visuals. Create a wide range of aesthetic and dynamic experiences using the app and its procedural node-based toolset.
VR
Virtual and Augmented Reality creates a complete experience that takes the viewer to places they've never been before. It provides a powerful set of tools that makes it easier to create and manage the content used to populate these amazing digital worlds.
Compare Products:
Houdini FX
It delivers a powerful and accessible 3D experience with its procedural node-based workflow, while providing tools for simulating fluids, destruction fx, pyro fx, grains, cloth and crowds.
Houdini CORE
The app is designed for modelers, lighters, character riggers, animators and game artists. Scenes and digital assets created in FX can be opened, manipulated and rendered in Core.
Houdini Indie
It makes all of the tool FX’s animation and VFX tools available under an indie license to animators and gamedevs who want to use the app during the incubation stage of their business.
Houdini Apprentice
With Apprentice, students and hobbyists have access to virtually all of the features of the award-winning FX which can be used to create personal non-commercial projects.
Note: 30 days trial version.
