When you create an asset, you create a new type of node, for example a new type of geometry node (SOP). You will also have an instance of that node in the network.

When you first create an asset, the instance is unlocked for editing. You can also unlock an asset for editing by right-clicking the node and choosing Allow editing of contents.

A badge below the node name shows the node’s editing state. When an asset node is unlocked (allows editing of contents), the badge shows unlocked. When a node is locked (matches the current definition), the badge shows locked.

You can edit the parameters of nodes inside an unlocked asset, and change the asset’s options in the type properties window.

When you edit the nodes inside an asset, you're editing the definition of the asset in memory. Other instances of the same asset will get the same changes, but the original definition of the asset still exists on disk.

• When you're done editing an asset’s contents, you can right-click the node and choose Save node type to save your changes to the library on disk. The node will still be unlocked, so right-click again and choose Match current definition to lock it.

• Clicking Apply or Accept in the type properties window will also save the asset definition to disk.

• To discard any changes to an unlocked asset since the last save, right-click the node and choose Match current definition.

Normally, you will only want the creator/maintainer of an asset to make edit the asset, and lock the asset for normal use. However, if artists really need to make one-off changes to an asset, you can enable editing of assets in takes.

When this option and auto-take mode are on, Houdini will allow anyone to edit any asset, even locked assets. However, changes to locked assets will actually take place in a take overlaying the real defition of the asset. See the help for takes for more information.