Community News Feed
SideFX partners with Endava
SideFX has partnered with Endava, a leading technology services corporation, to transform synthetic data creation for AI and ML applications. Through this partnership, artists and developers will benefit from the ability to generate highly varied and realistic data sets in Houdini with pixel-perfect ground truth annotations that mimic complex real-world environments.
Introducing new Curriculum-in-a-Box for Schools
SideFX’s Education and Training Team is proud to announce the release of this multi-lesson teaching resource. The goal for Curriculum-in-a-Box is to allow secondary school or early-year university teachers to be able to more easily and effectively introduce students to Houdini.
Unlocking the Magic Workshop | DoubleJump
This workshop is your ultimate beginners guide to Houdini. We'll start with the fundamentals, exploring terminology and UI to understand the software. Then, we'll dive into project-based explorations of procedural modeling, particle simulation, destruction, pyro and liquid simulations, vellum soft body, cloth and hair simulation, character rigging, animation, and crowd simulation.
Houdini 20.5 Released
Houdini 20.5 includes hundreds of new workflows and improvements including the MPM solver for solid mechanics, Copernicus for image processing, Quick Surface Materials for access to Material X and new rigging and animation tools.
Darkslope Smart Stage
SideFX Software, makers of the popular Houdini VFX software today announces a strategic partnership agreement with Dark Slope, the Toronto-based virtual production and spatial gaming company. The partnership includes a material investment to be directed towards the launch of an advanced virtual production smart stage in Toronto, set to open in the Spring of this year.
Houdini 20 Released
SideFX is pleased to announce the release of Houdini 20 which is available for download today. Houdini 20 includes hundreds of enhancements and new workflows including Karma XPU, Feathers, Clouds, Material Catalog, Render Stats, Quad Remesh, APEX Character Rigging & Animation tools and more.
Greyscalegorilla Plus
Greyscalegorilla, makers of premium assets and tools for 3D artists, is pleased to announce the availability of their photoreal 3D asset library, Greyscalegorilla Plus, for all major 3D applications, including Houdini.
Houdini 20 Keynote
You’ve seen the Sneak Peek, now you can finally learn more about all of the latest features that are coming to Houdini 20 this November. The Keynote was recorded live on October 25th at the Curzon Cinema in London, England.
Theory Accelerated Studio
Urban Bradesko has released the Theory Accelerated Studio, a learning platform designed to teach feature film quality FX using the Axiom GPU-based solver. The site has been launched with four free workshops with more to come. SideFX is proud to be a sponsor of this site to help ensure access for the whole Houdini community.
Ben Mears RIP
It is with deep sadness that I am sharing the news that our friend and colleague, Ben Mears, passed away over the weekend.
Houdini for Apple Silicon now Gold
SideFX is excited to announce the gold release of the Houdini Apple Silicon build to coincide with the H19.5.534 production build. The Houdini Apple Silicon build is built natively for macOS arm64 so Mac users can take full advantage of the power of Apple silicon M1 and M2 chips.
Foundations Book
The Houdini Foundation tutorials are now available in a print on demand book. Houdini Foundations is for artists who want to learn how to use Houdini and its node-based procedural workflow to create 3D computer graphics for film, TV projects or video games.
Introducing My Learning
As learners go through all the lessons in the SideFX library, they can now organize their learning using the New My Learning Dashboard. They can build up a list of tutorials they are interested in, track their progress to completion then review their accomplishments.
Houdini 19.5 Released
SideFX is pleased to announce the release of Houdini 19.5 which is available for download today. Houdini 19.5 focuses on improving the quality of life for artists throughout the Houdini community. Whether you work on feature films, television, video games or motion graphics, Houdini 19.5 brings you new and enhanced tools to meet your most demanding production requirements.
Houdini 19.5 Sneak Peek
Here is a preview of some of the new tools and functionality coming in Houdini 19.5 - next week we will go into more detail to show you what changes and improvements will be in the next version of Houdini - see you then!
Student Access to Houdini Education
SideFX is pleased to announce that students now have direct access to rent Houdini Education for home use. Previously, students could use the FREE Houdini Apprentice at home then use Houdini Education in a school lab. Now students can rent Houdini Education for $75 USD per year.
HEX Episode 10
Welcome to Episode 10 of HEX, an ongoing series of interviews with people from the Houdini community - studio artists, indie artists, developers, tech partners and event organizers.
Unreal Engine 5
The wait is over—Epic Games has announced that Unreal Engine 5 is now available to download! With this release, Epic Games aims to empower both large and small teams to really push the boundaries of what’s possible, visually and interactively. UE5 will enable you to realize next-generation real-time 3D content and experiences with greater freedom, fidelity, and flexibility than ever before.
H19 Apple Silicon Tech Preview
SideFX is pleased to announce the Houdini 19 Apple Silicon build which is a technical preview providing early access for macOS users on Apple M1 hardware. The current version of Houdini 19 works on M1 via Apple’s Rosetta translator. The Silicon build will provide a more optimized native build.
Ukraine Crisis
At SideFX we are devastated by the crisis in Ukraine, and our thoughts are with all of those facing the unfathomable challenges today and ahead. We are donating to the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal in support of humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.
HEX Episode 9
Welcome to Episode 9 of HEX, an ongoing series of interviews with people from the Houdini community - studio artists, indie artists, developers, tech partners and event organizers.
H19 Launch & HIVE
Join us on October 28 on Youtube LIVE for Houdini HIVE presentations by industry experts that cover a range of topics related to the new version of Houdini. On October 29, a Solaris workshop takes a look at the lookdev, layout and lighting tools in Houdini 19.
Houdini 19 Sneak Peek
SideFX is pleased to announce the Houdini 19 Sneak Peek with new features and improvements to KineFX, Muscles & Tissue, Crowds, Solaris, Karma, Modeling, Pyro FX, FLIP Fluids, Vellum, RBD Destruction, FEM, Grooming, PDG, and more.
HEX Episode 8
Welcome to Episode 8 of HEX, an ongoing series of interviews with people from the Houdini community - studio artists, indie artists, developers, tech partners and event organizers.
HEX Episode 7
Welcome to Episode 7 of HEX, an ongoing series of interviews with people from the Houdini community - studio artists, indie artists, developers, event organizers - you name it!
HEX Episode 6
Welcome to Episode 6 of HEX, an ongoing series of interviews with people from the Houdini community - studio artists, indie artists, developers, event organizers - you name it!
HEX Episode 5
Welcome to Episode 5 of HEX, an ongoing series of interviews with people from the Houdini community - studio artists, indie artists, developers, event organizers - you name it!
HEX Episode 4
Welcome to Episode 4 of HEX, an ongoing series of interviews with people from the Houdini community - studio artists, indie artists, developers, event organizers - you name it!
HEX Episode 3
Join us April 9 at noon EDT for Episode 3 of HEX, an ongoing series of interviews with people from the Houdini community - studio artists, indie artists, developers, event organizers - you name it! In this episode...
HEX Episode 2
Welcome to Episode 2 of HEX, an ongoing series of interviews with people from the Houdini community - studio artists, indie artists, developers, event organizers - you name it! In this episode...
Houdini Engine for Unreal and Unity now Free
SideFX is pleased to announce that Houdini Engine for UE4 and Houdini Engine for Unity are now available for commercial customers for free. Previously free for artists using Houdini Indie, this now gives commercial artists and studios the ability to widely deploy procedural assets created in Houdini to the UE4 and Unity real-time 3D platforms for use in game and XR development, virtual production and design visualizations.
HEX Episode 1
Welcome to Episode 1 of HEX, an ongoing series of interviews with people from the Houdini community - studio artists, indie artists, developers, event organizers - you name it!
Epic Games Invests in SideFX
Epic Games is now a minority investor in SideFX. In Epic, SideFX gains a strong partner whose passion for the industry closely aligns with ours.
Houdini 18.5 Released
Houdini 18.5 is now available to download. Explore all of the new features including KineFX, interactive Pyro FX, Vellum brushes and much more.
Houdini 18.5 Sneak Peek
This sneak peek video reveals some upcoming features of Houdini 18.5. There are various areas of software development update, including both game engine plugins, PDG, SOPs, pyro, FLIP fluids, rendering, and much more. Get a taste of what is to come in the next release of Houdini.
Houdini 18 Backport
With the latest Houdini 18 Build 499, there are a number of production-ready features that are being made available early. From Topo transfer, to path deform, to viewport fog, there have been many enhancements added into Houdini 18 that you can take advantage of right now!
COVID-19 Update
Like all of you, we’ve been monitoring the evolving global impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We are taking the situation very seriously, and have taken steps here at SideFX to safe-guard our customers, staff and partners. Our team is well-equipped with online systems and processes to continue to service you throughout these unprecedented times.
Houdini 18 Released
SideFX is pleased to announce the release of Houdini 18. This release introduces SideFX Solaris, a USD-based context for lookdev, layout and lighting that brings procedural tools to this important part of the pipeline and SideFX Karma Render (beta), a new HYDRA-based renderer that integrates into the Solaris environment. This release also includes SOP-based tools for configuring Destruction and Pyro FX shots and a focus on UX and optimization throughout the software.
H18 Launch Presentation
Check out the latest additions in Houdini 18 - including Solaris - Houdini's layout, lookdev and lighting platform. Plus learn about the latest features in Vellum, fluids, pyro, destruction, modelling and more.
Houdini 18 Sneak Peek
Introducing the Houdini 18 Sneak Peek video which previews some of the amazing new features coming to the upcoming version of Houdini. From a Sparse Pyro Solver to Solaris, the new USD-based context for lookdev, layout, lighting and rendering, Houdini 18 is packed with enhancements for a wide range of production tasks.
SideFX Solaris
SideFX is pleased to announce SideFX Solaris at SIGGRAPH 2019. Solaris brings a new context called LOPS, or lighting operators, that brings native USD support to Houdini to allow for comprehensive lookdev, layout and lighting workflows.
2019 Houdini Reel
SideFX is proud to present the 2019 Demo Reel featuring the amazing work of Houdini customers worldwide. The shots in this reel represent the creativity and hard work generated by the Houdini community of artists. Congratulations to everyone involved for these fantastic shots!
SideFX Partners with Unity
SideFX is now a Unity Technologies Verified Solutions Partner, forming an even deeper integration between the two software platforms.
Houdini 17.5 Released
Whether you are a feature film VFX artist, a game developer or a commercial studio, Houdini 17.5 brings you new and enhanced tools to meet your most demanding production requirements. Houdini 17.5 is a important release that includes a number of key features including the introduction of PDG | Procedural Dependency Graph.
H17 Launch Presentation
SideFX's Cristin Barghiel (VP of R&D) and Scott Keating (Senior Product Designer) cover the top features of Houdini 17 at the launch event in Montreal on October 2, 2018.
Houdini 17 Sneak Peek
Houdini 17 Banshee includes a wealth of new features, including a GPU-accelerated multisolver for cloth, hair, soft bodies and grains, a new white water solver, a material-based destruction framework, facial autorigs, fullbody IK, enhanced animation and modeling workflows, UV autoseaming, GLTF I/O, gamedev tools and much more.
A Night of Celebration
At the Scientific and Technical Awards, Sir Patrick Stewart invited Kim Davidson and Mark Elendt to the stage to accept the Academy Award of Merit and Jeff Lait, Mark Tucker, Cristin Barghiel and John Lynch to accept a Scientific and Engineering Award.
Production Build Update 16.5.378
The latest production build brings important improvements to the licensing and render restrictions on Houdini Indie while also adding a powerful new UV Flatten tool and important refinements to FBX import and export.
SideFX releases Houdini 16.5
SideFX is pleased to announce the release of Houdini 16.5 – which continues Houdini 16’s push into character, rigging and animation enhancements – as well as adding a wide variety of new features and improvements in VFX, modelling, rendering and UI.
Houdini 16.5 Sneak Peek
Take a look at some of the great new tools and enhancements coming in Houdini 16.5 such as motion path editing, polyreduce, rounded edge rendering, narrow band flip simulations, optical flow, gamepad camera, and so much more.
2017 Houdini Customer Reel
SideFX is proud to present the 2017 Demo Reel featuring the amazing work of Houdini customers worldwide. The shots in this reel are a small sampling of the creativity and hard work performed by the Houdini community of artists. Congratulations to all the artists and studios responsible for these fantastic shots!
Castle Defender VR Released for HTC Vive
Castle Defender VR has been released! In this VR “tower defense” game the player must protect their castle from waves of attacking pirates by strategically throwing out knights, archers, bombs, and healing potions. The game gets increasingly difficult as the waves of pirates get bigger and bigger.
More Flexible Houdini Engine
SideFX is pleased to announce that all Houdini Engine floating licenses now include global access – allowing users to bring them to the cloud for their own use. Additionally, weekly rentals have been added to the existing annual and monthly rental options for greater flexibility.
2017 Games & VR Reel
Here's a look at some of the amazing games and VR projects that Houdini artists have been working on!
SideFX Releases Houdini 16
Houdini 16 enhances core modeling, rendering and animation tools while focusing on user experience, performance and scalability for Film, TV, Games, Advertising and VR
Dropzone | RealtimeUK
Check out the making of video put together by RealtimeUK to showcase their VFX work for Dropzone.
Houdini Roadmap | SIGGRAPH 2016
In this presentation from SIGGRAPH 2016, Robert Magee, Senior Product Marketing Manager at SideFX, introduces the Houdini roadmap, a look into the Houdini of today and the Houdini of tomorrow. To explore this roadmap, Robert takes a look at key areas of Houdini and how they are being developed, then, sneak peeks some of the features you can expect in future releases.
2016 Houdini Reel
SideFX is proud to present the 2016 Demo Reel featuring the amazing work of Houdini customers worldwide. The shots in this reel are a small sampling of the creativity and hard work performed by the Houdini community of artists. Congratulations to all the artists and studios responsible for these fantastic shots!
SideFX Commits to Education with Dramatically Lower Pricing
SideFX is pleased to announce new lower pricing for Houdini Education to make it more affordable for schools to choose Houdini and its award winning procedural workflow for their curriculum.
Born Digital Japan
SideFX is pleased to announce the beginning of a new relationship with Born Digital, Inc.. Starting July 1, 2016 Born Digital is authorized to sell and support SideFX products, including Houdini the software used to create visual effects, animation and game development tools for the world’s top movies and games.
Substance in Houdini
Today, Allegorithmic is happy to present a Substance plugin for Houdini. With this integration, Houdini can read Substances in the form of .sbsar files, and Houdini users can tap into the power of procedural textures created with Substance Designer.
SideFX Releases Houdini 15.5
SideFX is pleased to announce the release of Houdini 15.5 with an improved workflow for modelers, more accurate crowd controls, a new VR lens camera for rendering to industry-standard formats and support for third party rendering in Houdini Indie.
Outside
SHED animation studio and SideFX are co-producing an animated short called "Outside". The worldwide premiere of the teaser launched on Saturday at TAAFI - The teaser was produced in Houdini - including modeling, characters, animation, lighting and rendering in Mantra
Houdini Engine for UE4
SideFX is excited to announce the release of Houdini Engine for UE4. This plug-in provides game artists and developers with access to Houdini’s award-winning procedural technology right inside the UE4 editor.
FX Animation | Our Newest Certified School
Side Effects is pleased to announce that FX Animation Barcelona 3D School is the newest member of our certified school program!
Announcing Pluralsight
As of late September 2015, the full Digital-Tutors training library was integrated into Pluralsight, effectively retiring the Digital-Tutors name and brand.
SideFX Releases Houdini 15
Just nine months after artists first got their hands on Houdini 14, SideFX has announced the release of Houdini 15 with onion skinning, new shader building tools, crowd ragdolls and Houdini Engine 2.0.
Cloud Computing by GridMarkets
GridMarkets and SideFX today announced a strategic partnership designed to increase productivity and reduce costs for studios and artists who create Houdini visual effects and Houdini Mantra renderings.
Maxon Announces Houdini Engine for C4D
SideFX and MAXON are pleased to announce the availability of a public beta of the Houdini Engine for Cinema 4D plug-in. The Houdini Engine makes it possible for Houdini Digital Assets to work inside other digital content creation applications. Now Studios can build custom effects using Houdini's node-based workflow and give access to artists utilizing MAXON Cinema 4D.
SideFX releases Houdini 14
SideFX an industry leader in 3D animation and visual effects software, is proud to announce the immediate release of Houdini 14.
Houdini Indie on Unity Asset Store
SideFX is proud to announce the availability of Houdini Indie and Houdini Engine Indie on the Unity Asset Store. Independent game makers can now enjoy the power of Houdini’s procedural node-based workflow under a limited commercial license.