the best VFX software package gets numerous improvements

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Details of Houdini 20.5

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

OS Linux, Windows and Macintosh

Developer SideFX

Release Out now

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

Houdini is the industry standard for VFX creation. It is used in many industries including film, television, gaming and VR. If you’ve seen movies like Frozen, Rio, or even Fantasia 2000, you’ve seen what Houdini could achieve. Houdini’s capabilities are obvious to all (read my Houdini explainer for more detailed information).

Houdini is commonplace PixarDreamWorks Animation and Walt Disney Animation Studios, but also found smaller studios using it as well. The indie license, which costs $269, has helped attract studios with limited capital who just want to get their project off the ground. There is also a student version for artists who want to use Houdini for non-commercial projects. It’s perfect for students and hobbyists learning software or creating media for free.

In recent versions, a new XPU renderer called XPU was introduced Karmawhich uses CPU and GPU power. There have also been significant improvements to the interactive grooming tools and new workflows for connecting PyroFX to game engines.

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

Houdini 20.5 Review: What is it?

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

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

Houdini also offers a number of simulation tools such as solid solvers, particle tools and pyrogenerator capabilities. Solid features can be used to simulate destruction, including the destruction of buildings or objects. Liquids like water, lava and honey can be modeled with FLIP tools, while smoke, explosions and clouds can be masterfully created with Pyro tools.

Aside from what Houdini is capable of creating, one of its best features is its ability to easily integrate with other programs, including 3ds Max (read our review), Maya and Unreal Engine. This is one of the reasons why it is the industry standard and a popular option for many studios and VFX artists.

Houdini 20.5 Review: How to Use It?

Houdini FX is powerful software capable of creating some of the most complex effects and simulations currently possible. As a result, it’s also far from the easiest 3D package to pick up and use. With such a steep learning curve, many artists are put off, but unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to mastering the software.

Houdini artists recommend accumulating knowledge gradually, rather than trying to skyrocket only to become disillusioned and disillusioned. Artists can help themselves by taking advantage of one or more of the many online courses available from Houdini. Almost all the best ones require payment, but if you are willing to look around, you can find what you need on YouTube or in blogs.

Since Houdini is so focused on mathematics, artists would also do well to learn the basics of mathematics before moving on to more advanced mathematical concepts. Even the basics will help novice artists master the tools and use them to create effects.

Another stumbling block is the node-based workflow. This won’t be a problem for artists coming from another program that uses the same type of workflow, but for the uninitiated it can be a problem. Learning the basics of node-based workflows is essential to mastering Houdini.

Houdini 20.5 Overview: Tools

One of the biggest new features in version 20.5 is Copernicus (COP), a 2D and 3D GPU imaging platform. Copernicus nodes replace Compositing nodes and provide a framework for more advanced compositing. The feature is still a work in progress, but Houdini recommends using it even at this early stage.

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

There is also a new MPM solver for creating materials such as snow, soil, dirt, concrete, metal, jelly, rubber, water, honey and sand. It is an incredibly impressive solver that uses the power of the GPU to produce truly impressive results. The solver can use multiphysics, making it ideal for simulating complex and massive materials that naturally contain materials that are difficult to create.

In addition to a number of other updates and improvements, Houdini 20.5 includes new machine learning nodes that allow artists to create machine learning setups entirely within Houdini. With the help of the training node of general machine learning, you can solve a large class of regression problems without the need to write a training script.

Houdini 20.5 Review: Who Is It For?

Houdini is designed for visual effects (VFX) artists. As such, it caters to a fairly niche segment of the CGI market, including VFX generalists, specialists and CTOs. Houdini is ideal for creating a variety of effects, including explosions, fire, fluid simulation, and destruction.

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

Houdini is equally at home in the gaming industry, with titles like Uncharted and Killzone 2 taking advantage of his tools. Specifically, Houdini is used in games to create fabric simulations, terrain creation, and destruction effects.

Houdini 20.5 Review: What can be improved

One of the biggest areas of improvement would be to make the interface more user-friendly. The steep learning curve turns off many would-be artists who might otherwise have mastered the software. Given that it’s an advanced program with an amazing set of features, I don’t see the learning curve shortening. But perhaps with an expanded AI toolset and greater appeal, things could change.

Otherwise, Houdini FX is the industry leader in VFX and by far the most complete package available. With each release, he pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.

Houdini 20.5 Review: Price

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

If you are in the incubation stage of your project or business, then SideFX offers an indie license for $269. It’s limited to three licenses per studio, which helps small studios get started. There are no tool or feature restrictions for this license.

Students, artists and hobbyists who want to create VFX for non-commercial projects can benefit Houdini Apprentice License. It’s completely free, Houdini only limits some features of the full package.

Houdini 20.5 Review: Buy If

You want to take your VFX output to a whole new level
We need to shorten the time frame for creating VFX
You want to work to an industry standard