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Houdini 20.5 details

Price The Apprentice = Free, Indie = $269, Houdini FX = $4,495

Operating System Linux, Windows and Macintosh

Developer SideFX

Release out now

Features MPM solver for solid mechanics, Copernicus and machine learning nodes for image processing

Houdini It is the industry standard for creating VFX. It is used across a wide range of industries including film, TV, games and VR. If you’ve seen movies like Frozen, Rio, or even Fantasia 2000, you’ve seen what Houdini can achieve. Houdini’s talents are there for all to see (Read my Houdini explainer for more details).

Houdini is an ordinary thing Pixar’sIt uses DreamWorks Animation and Walt Disney Animation Studios, but it has also found smaller studios using it. Priced at $269, the indie license has helped attract the attention of studios with limited capital looking to get their projects off the ground. An apprentice version is also available for artists who want to use Houdini for non-commercial projects. This is an ideal option for students and hobbyists learning the software or creating media for free.

Recent releases have seen the introduction of a new XPU renderer called MixedIt uses the power of both the CPU and GPU. Significant improvements have also been made to interactive maintenance tools and new workflows to connect PyroFX to game engines.

Now in version 20.5, Houdini includes many improvements, including the MPM solver for solid mechanics, Copernicus for image processing, and machine learning nodes. There are also a number of new rigging and animation tools.

Houdini 20.5 review: what is it?

Houdini FX is a 3D animation and visual effects (VFX) suite used by VFX artists in a variety of different industries, but with a particular focus on TV and film.

Its features include animation, rigging, lighting and procedural modeling. By adopting a node-based design, artists can create effects quickly and efficiently and share information seamlessly between tools. The procedural nature of the software also helps artists make changes and adjustments without having to start over.

Houdini also offers a variety of simulation tools such as rigid body solvers, particle tools, and Pyro capabilities. Rigid body features can be used to simulate destruction, including the destruction of buildings or objects. Fluids such as water, lava and honey can be simulated with FLIP tools, while smoke, explosions and clouds can be expertly created with Pyro tools.

Besides what Houdini can create, one of its best things is its ability to seamlessly integrate with other applications, including 3ds Max (read our review), Yeast and Unreal Engine. This is one of the reasons why it is the industry standard and preferred choice for many studios and VFX artists.

Houdini 20.5 review: how to use it?

Houdini FX is an essential piece of software capable of performing some of the most complex effects and simulations currently possible. As a result, it’s far from the easiest 3D package to get and use. With such a steep learning curve, many artists are put off, but unfortunately there is no quick shortcut to mastering the software.

Rather than trying to shoot into the sky only to be disappointed and frustrated, Houdini artists recommend building knowledge slowly. Artists can help themselves by using one or more of the many online courses available for Houdini. Almost all of the best require payment, but if you’re ready to look around, you can find what you need here: YouTube or on blogs.

Since Houdini is very math-centric, it would also be good for the artists to learn basic math before moving on to more advanced mathematical concepts. Even a basic knowledge will help beginning artists grasp the tools and use them to create effects.

One of the other hurdles is the node-based workflow. This won’t be a problem for artists coming from another application that uses the same type of workflow, but it could be an issue for those who are inexperienced. Learning the fundamentals behind node-based workflows is crucial to mastering Houdini.

Houdini 20.5 review: tools

One of the biggest new features in version 20.5 is Copernicus (COP), a 2D and 3D GPU image processing framework. Copernicus nodes replace Join nodes and provide a framework for more advanced join. This feature is not yet complete and is under development, but Houdini recommends its adoption even at this early stage.

The power of COP nodes lies in their ability to provide real-time image manipulation in a 3D space. These nodes can then be exported as images or volumes. In terms of applications, it is now more possible than ever to create non-photorealistic visualizations as well as 3D texture painting. These are possible in both geometry and volumes, which makes them very powerful indeed.

There’s also a new MPM solver for creating materials like snow, dirt, mud, concrete, metal, jelly, rubber, water, honey, and sand. It’s an incredibly impressive parser that leverages GPU power to produce truly breathtaking results. The solver can use multiple physics, which makes it perfect for simulating lumpy and chunky materials that are inherently difficult to produce.

Houdini 20.5 includes a number of other updates and improvements, as well as new machine learning nodes that allow artists to create machine learning setups entirely from within Houdini. With a generic machine learning training node, a large class of regression problems can be solved without needing to write a training script.

Houdini 20.5 review: who is it for?

Houdini is for visual effects (VFX) artists. As such, it appeals to a fairly niche segment of the CGI market, including VFX generalists, specialists, and technical directors. Houdini is great for creating a variety of effects including explosions, fire, liquid simulations and destruction.

In terms of industries, you’ll see Houdini’s works in TV, film, gaming, and VR. Wherever you see VFX, Houdini is likely to be in the mix. Houdini is also one of the most prominent figures among the world’s largest film studios, including Pixar, DreamWorks Animation and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Houdini is equally at home in the gaming industry, where he draws on the tools of games like Uncharted and Killzone 2. Houdini is especially used in games to create fabric simulations, terrain rendering, and destruction effects.

Houdini 20.5 review: what can be improved?

One of the biggest areas for improvement would be to make the interface more user-friendly. The steep learning curve puts off many potential artists who might otherwise manage to master the software. Considering this is an advanced app with a surprising amount of functionality, I can’t see the learning curve dropping anytime soon. But perhaps with increasing artificial intelligence tools and broader appeal, things may start to change.

Apart from this, Houdini FX is at the forefront of the VFX industry and is by far the most comprehensive package available. It pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with every release.

Houdini 20.5 review: Price

A full license for Houdini FX will set you back a whopping $4,495. With this license you will receive all Houdini tools that allow you to create the industry’s most impressive VFX.

If you’re in the incubation phase of your project or business, SideFX offers a standalone license for $269. This is limited to three licenses per studio and helps smaller studios get off their feet. There are no restrictions on tools or features for this license.

Students, artists, and amateurs who want to create VFX for non-commercial projects can benefit from this program. Houdini Apprentice license. It is completely free; Houdini only limits a few of the features available in the entire package.

Houdini 20.5 review: buy

• You want to take your VFX output to a whole new level

• You need to shorten VFX rendering timelines

• You want to work with industry standard

Houdini 20.5 review: don’t buy if