Learning Houdini
2h 56mBeginner2015-01-19
Authors
Scott Pagano
Procedural Architect
Course details
Amidst the myriad of 3D tools, Houdini is unique, offering a procedural workflow and node networks that allow for increased complexity and asset reusability. And with the Houdini Engine plugin, users of other 3D tools can now incorporate Houdini's procedural power into their workflows.
These tutorials introduce the fundamental 3D concepts (modeling, animation, texturing, lighting, and rendering) as they apply in Houdini. Instructor Scott Pagano shows how to manipulate geometry; apply materials; add lights and cameras to a scene; render work with Houdini's internal renderer, Mantra; and even create simple particle systems. The course will start new users on a path to more advanced 3D work and show experienced users of other 3D packages how to transfer their skills to the world of Houdini.
Learning objectives
Setting Houdini preferences
Modifying geometry
Copy stamping
Setting keyframes
Manipulating animation channels
Shading and texture mapping
Lighting scenes
Rendering with Mantra
Creating particle emitters
These tutorials introduce the fundamental 3D concepts (modeling, animation, texturing, lighting, and rendering) as they apply in Houdini. Instructor Scott Pagano shows how to manipulate geometry; apply materials; add lights and cameras to a scene; render work with Houdini's internal renderer, Mantra; and even create simple particle systems. The course will start new users on a path to more advanced 3D work and show experienced users of other 3D packages how to transfer their skills to the world of Houdini.
Learning objectives
Setting Houdini preferences
Modifying geometry
Copy stamping
Setting keyframes
Manipulating animation channels
Shading and texture mapping
Lighting scenes
Rendering with Mantra
Creating particle emitters
Skills covered
HoudiniSideFX3D AnimationRenderingMotion Graphics and VFX3D ModelingVisualization and Real-TimeAECProduct and ManufacturingLearningAnimation and Illustration
Concepts
Introduction
- Welcome
- Using the exercise files
Overview of Houdini
- Overview of the Houdini paradigm
- Understanding the interface
- Setting Houdini preferences
- Creating a new project
Geometry in Houdini
- How to create basic primitive shapes
- How to modify geometry
- Understanding groups
- Understanding attributes
- Using the Copy node
- The power of copy stamping
- Understanding additional geometry functions
Animating in Houdini
- How to set keyframes
- Introduction to the Animation Editor
- Introduction to the Motion FX level
- Applying procedural animation channels to geometry
- Manipulating animation channels
Shading in Houdini
- Using the Mantra surface shader
- Using the Material node to apply shaders to geometry
- Shading attributes
- Adding texture maps to the shader
Lighting in Houdini
- Creating and positioning lights
- Adjusting light parameters
- Using sun and sky lighting
Rendering in Houdini
- Working with the Mantra rendering node
- Understanding important Mantra settings
- Render passes in Mantra
Particles in Houdini
- How to emit particles from an object
- How to use forces to influence particle motion
- Understanding the POP Source node
- How to instance geometry to particles
Conclusion
- Next steps