Since the beginning of time, Maya users have had the ability to echo all the commands that are executed by the application within the script editor. If you recall, Houdini provides similar functionality through the commandecho HScript command. That’s great for when you are just starting to place down nodes. However, what happens when you already have a node hierarchy done and would like to recreate the network with a script? Maybe you want to recreate the network at a future date, pass on the script to friends and family members at cocktail parties, or use with other pipeline scripts? […]

Here are a couple of handy Houdini viewport attributes you can use for when scenes start to get a little complex or when you want to isolate certain geometry objects. It can also work as a debugging aid of sorts. Set Up In order to set up these attributes you need to place down an Attribute Wrangle. Simple enough. However, the key is making sure you set the class or the Run Over parameter to Detail. Remember Detail attributes run over your whole geometry as opposed to Points which runs over… POINTS! 🙂 gl_wireframe The gl_wireframe attribute sets your geometry […]

I’ve been getting quite a few emails regarding VEX and what certain things mean in the language. The questions have to do more about programming fundamentals than VEX. I know VEX is all the rage right now and for many, VEX is probably the first time trying out any kind of scripting. As a result, I’m going to do some tips on programming basics and the things you might run across while working with VEX. First, it seems there is some confusion about the difference between attributes which use the @ symbol and regular old variables that don’t . I […]

Having worked with Toon Boom’s Harmony software, one feature I really like is the ability to move the pivot of an object to scale or rotate without permanently moving the pivot point. We are in luck because Houdini gives you this ability. Transitory pivots allow you to just move the handles of an object to scale or rotate relative to that point and still have the original pivot in place. Basic but useful. Detaching Handles Moving the pivot in this way is very different than actually moving the pivot. In this scenario, we are just moving the pivot for a transitory period while […]

Here is a nifty little nugget that came in handy while I was working on a scene with tons of geometry. The problem I had was constantly toggling the display of some geometry on and off to work on sections of the scene. Having to look through the network to find the node, turning off the display to do a few modifications, rinse and repeat. That got old rather quick. There are different ways to deal with this in Houdini but Select Scripts in Houdini object nodes offer a quick way to create some custom controls rather easily. Select Scripts Houdini object nodes, […]

So there you are ready to put out your sphere #everyday but one thing that would really kick that image out of the park is removing the specular reflection of the area lights on your spheres. In other words, you want the diffuse component of the lights but don’t want them to contribute to reflectance. If you are coming from a program like Cinema 4D, it’s just a matter of unchecking Specular. Maybe you want the light reflectance but not the diffuse. It’s a common thing to do in most 3D applications. In Houdini, this is handled through Light Contributions. Light Contributions […]

Here is a Houdini bag of tricks that contains tips that were on the old site but I decided to package them up. Most are just small workflow tips or hotkeys but can be quite handy. VEX Snippets If you’re been playing with POP nodes, I’m sure you have noticed that little scary checkbox that says Use VEXpressions. Maybe you’ve dropped down one of the powerful Wrangle nodes but you decided you were not ready to tackle that little monster. Well, Side Effects has packaged up some nice VEXpression snippets to help you out. Hidden away in the top right corner is a drop down […]

Is the built in Houdini help browser dragging you down? On OS X it’s a bit slow for my taste. On Windows and Linux it works well but maybe you’re like me who loads the documentation on the Side Effect server just because it’s faster in your default Web browser. Maybe not. Regardless, using your good old Web browser for the Houdini docs has a couple of advantages. Let me show you how to user your default Web browser for the Houdini docs instead of the built in Houdini browser. Built-in Web Browser Houdini has fantastic documentation and and each node gives you access to […]

So we all know about Houdini’s dynamic duo nodes VEX and VOP. For those unfamiliar with programming, VEX nodes may be a bit intimidating. However, this is where VOP nodes come to the rescue. Think of VOPs as visual programming. If your coming at Houdini from a Cinema 4D angle, think Xpresso. Now I’m not saying working with VOPS is a walk in the park but it’s a nice entry into the world of VEX. Check out some of the great tutorials with extensive use of them over at Entagma if you want some practice. Here is a tip on how to show full […]