Houdini 20.5 Shelf tools

Flock shelf tool

Applies a flocking algorithm to particles.

On this page

Overview

This tool uses the POP Flock node to apply a flocking algorithm to particles. This tool can be used to simulate a swarm of bees chasing a character, or a flock of birds in the sky.

You can choose the Number of Centers on the POP Flock node to determine how many different clusters of particles are formed. You can also the modify the parameters on the Interaction Force tab to control how much they stay together and how far apart they can get.

Using Flock

  1. Create a particle system along the curve using the Location or Source shelf tools.

  2. Click the Flock tool on the Particles tab.

Tip

To create more realistic simulations, do not continuously birth particles. You can also add some noise with a POP Force node for a more natural look.

Note

To move the flocks, you can use a POP Attract node to have them follow an object (such as a character), or use other POP Forces to direct them.

For specific parameter help, see the POP Flock node help.

See also

Shelf tools

Using the shelf

  • Customize the shelf

    How to change the look of the shelf, change and rearrange its contents, and create your own shelf tools.

Technical