Houdini 20.5: A Leap Forward in 3D Innovation

Houdini 20.5 introduces significant enhancements across solid mechanics simulation, image processing, modeling, animation, user experience, and procedural nature generation tools, offering users a robust and versatile set of functionalities to boost productivity and quality in 3D modeling, animation, and visual effects creation.

Key Highlights of Houdini FX 20.5

• Breakthroughs in Solid Mechanics Simulation: The Material Point Method (MPM) solver brings precise and realistic physics simulation for materials like snow, soil, and mud, enhancing the creation of lifelike effects.
• Innovations in Image Processing and Material Creation: The inclusion of the COPERNICUS image processing module and environment provides artists with powerful tools for image manipulation and material design within the Houdini COP nodes.
• Comprehensive Modeling Tool Upgrades: Enhanced edit tools and new plane extrusion and point cloud tools offer greater flexibility and efficiency in geometry handling.
• Animation Tools Enhancement: The introduction of new animation tools and non-destructive animation layers streamlines character motion design and provides greater control for animators.
• Significant User Experience Improvements: The addition of node information windows and recipes enhances the experience for artists working with node networks.
• Procedural Nature Generation Tools: Houdini 20.5 includes a complex vegetation scattering system that uses real-world data points to create realistic ecosystems.
• Performance and Stability Enhancements: Adaptive sampling and other optimizations ensure Houdini 20.5 is faster and more reliable, especially when handling large datasets and complex scenes.

What's New in Houdini FX 20.5

The latest version of Houdini brings a range of core feature updates and new tools, including:

• MPM Multi-Material Solver: This new solver supports the simulation of various materials and is demonstrated in videos showcasing particle-based materials.
• COPERNICUS Image Processing Environment: A reimagined COPERNICUS environment combines 2D and 3D, offering new 3D texture painting workflows and NPR capabilities.
• KineFX Character Binding and Animation: Enhanced with non-destructive animation layers and pose-based real-time ragdoll physics.
• Rendering and Viewport Improvements: Updates to the Karma renderer and the introduction of Vulkan viewport technology improve rendering quality and viewport performance.
• Simulation and Dynamics Enhancements: GPU-accelerated MPM solver and RBD car binding add to the physics simulation capabilities.
• AI and Machine Learning Integration: ONNX inference nodes and dedicated SOP and TOP tool sets facilitate machine learning training and workflow automation.
• Additional Updates: High-resolution brush tool sets, plane extrusion SOPs, performance optimizations, and more contribute to an improved modeling experience.