Houdini on the Spot

Description

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

*Boost your efficiency and creativity
*Find immediate solutions in an accessible format
*Unleash the power of Houdini with unpublished techniques

CONTENTS:

Introduction

1. The User Interface

2. SOPs: The Foundation of Houdini

3. POPs Hacks

4. DOPs Tips

5. Digital Assets

6. Rendering

7. CHOPs Tricks

8. VEX and VOPs

9. COP Hacks

10. Configuration Details

11. Miscellaneous Tips

12. Standalone Tools