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.

Modeling & UX
Modeling tools include an updated Clip, a new Planar Inflate and Point Cloud tools. New UX enhancements include the Node Info Window and Recipes.

VFX
The new MPM Solver lets you simulate materials such as snow, soil, mud, and more. There is also a new RBD Car Rig.

Copernicus
Explore the new 2D and 3D GPU-based image framework designed to create procedural texture maps, NPR/toon shading and Slap Comps.

Character Animation
Starting with Animation Layers, enjoy a suite of new animation tools designed to streamline the keyframing of character motion.

Character Rigging
Discover the magic of tags which make it easier to set up procedural character and creature rigs using pre-built rig components.

APEX is being released in BETA with Houdini 20.

APEX Animate
Animators will work with the new APEX Animate node to load the APEX rig and use the controls to set keyframes. Selection sets and Locators let you quickly block out a shot while Animation sliders help you manage in-between motion.

Selection Sets

Locators

Animation Sliders

Animator Workflow
This new suite of tools is designed to help you animate more efficiently.
This ensures a fluid viewport-centric experience that can handle multiple characters at once.

Multi-Character

Constraints

Reference Video

Curve Graph Enhancements

Dynamic Motion
Add more realistic motion to characters and props with Dynamic Motion and Ragdoll tools. Now animators can incorporate real physics into their work with complete control throughout the process.