Houdini 18 introduces SideFX Solaris ? a USD-based context for lookdev, layout and lighting that brings procedural tools to this important part of the pipeline. This release also includes SOP-based tools for configuring Destruction and Pyro FX shots, and UX enhancements throughout the software.

FULLY PROCEDURAL
Houdini is built from the ground up to be a procedural system that empowers artists to work freely, create multiple iterations and rapidly share workflows with colleagues.

INTUITIVE
Artist Friendly Tools
While the nodes are what makes Houdini unique and give it power, there are lots of viewport and shelf tools that allow for artist-friendly viewport interactions. Behind the scenes, Houdini builds up the nodes and networks for you. Houdini lets artists explore different creative paths because it is easy to branch off a new node to explore alternative solutions.

FLEXIBLE
Node-based Workflow
In Houdini, every action is stored in a node. These nodes are then ?wired? into networks which define a ?recipe? that can be tweaked to refine the outcome then repeated to create similar yet unique results. The ability for nodes to be saved and to pass information, in the form of attributes, down the chain is what gives Houdini its procedural nature.