ABSTRACT

Packed with more than 350 techniques, this book delivers what you need to know-on the spot. Its concise presentation of professional techniques is suited to experienced artists whether you are:

* Migrating from another visual effects application
* Upgrading to Houdini 9
* Seeking a handy reference to raise your proficiency with Houdini

Houdini On the Spot presents immediate solutions in an accessible format. It clearly illustrates the essential methods that pros use to get the job done efficiently and creatively. Screenshots and step-by-step instructions show you how to:

* Navigate and manipulate the version 9 interface
* Create procedural models that can be modified quickly and efficiently with Surface Operators (SOPs)
* Use Particle Operators (POPs) to build complex simulations with speed and precision
* Minimize the number of operators in your simulations with Dynamics Operators (DOPs)
* Extend Houdini with customized tools to include data or scripts with Houdini Digital Assets (HDAs)
* Master the version 9 rendering options including Physically Based Rendering (PBR), volume rendering and motion blur
* Quickly modify timing, geometry, space and rotational values of your animations with Channel Operators (CHOPs)
* Create and manipulate elements with Composite Operators (COPs); Houdini's full-blown compositor toolset
* Make your own SOPs, COPs, POPs, CHOPs, and shaders with the Vector Expressions (VEX) shading language
* Configure the Houdini interface with customized environments and hotkeys
* Mine the treasures of the dozens of standalone applications that are bundled with Houdini

chapter |31 pages

The User Interface

Fully Utilize Houdini's User Interface

chapter |36 pages

SOPs

The Foundation of Houdini

chapter |26 pages

POPs Hacks

chapter |36 pages

DOPs Tips

chapter |22 pages

Digital Assets

chapter |28 pages

Rendering

chapter |9 pages

CHOPs Tricks

chapter |21 pages

VEX and VOPs

chapter |19 pages

COPs Hacks

chapter |21 pages

Configuration Details

chapter |30 pages

Miscellaneous Tips

chapter |12 pages

Standalone Tools