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

Skills covered

HoudiniSideFX3D AnimationRenderingMotion Graphics and VFX3D ModelingVisualization and Real-TimeAECProduct and ManufacturingLearningAnimation and Illustration

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - Using the exercise files

1. Overview of Houdini

03 - Overview of the Houdini paradigm
04 - Understanding the interface
05 - Setting Houdini preferences
06 - Creating a new project

2. Geometry in Houdini

07 - How to create basic primitive shapes
08 - How to modify geometry
09 - Understanding groups
10 - Understanding attributes
11 - Using the Copy node
12 - The power of copy stamping
13 - Understanding additional geometry functions

3. Animating in Houdini

14 - How to set keyframes
15 - Introduction to the Animation Editor
16 - Introduction to the Motion FX level
17 - Applying procedural animation channels to geometry
18 - Manipulating animation channels

4. Shading in Houdini

19 - Using the Mantra surface shader
20 - Using the Material node to apply shaders to geometry
21 - Shading attributes
22 - Adding texture maps to the shader

5. Lighting in Houdini

23 - Creating and positioning lights
24 - Adjusting light parameters
25 - Using sun and sky lighting

6. Rendering in Houdini

26 - Working with the Mantra rendering node
27 - Understanding important Mantra settings
28 - Render passes in Mantra

7. Particles in Houdini

29 - How to emit particles from an object
30 - How to use forces to influence particle motion
31 - Understanding the POP Source node
32 - How to instance geometry to particles

Conclusion

33 - Next steps