Deborah R. Fowler
Particles & Procedural Effects — references and workflow
This page covers particles and procedural effects in Houdini — useful references, workflow notes, and links to deeper topic pages. It is an advanced reference page; if you are new to Houdini start with the Quick Guide first.
SCALE IS IMPORTANT in dynamics simulations. Keep this in mind throughout.
Must Reads
Recommended for any students planning or currently taking VSFX 428/728. Also a useful general reference for particles and procedural effects.
Core References
Workflow Context
- As of Houdini 13.0, particles are fully integrated into the dynamics workflow.
- Since Houdini 12.5, OpenVDB volumes are integrated throughout — cloud tools, FLIP fluids, and surfacing all use them in place of the particle fluid surface SOP.
FLIP Fluids
- H16 Masterclass — FLIP Fluids
- H15 Masterclass — FLIP Fluids Enhancements
- Jeff Wagner — FLIP Fluids Houdini ILLUME Webinar
Older Tutorials — Still Worth Watching
These are older but contain solid foundational information. For dynamics topics, always be version-aware; for concepts and workflow, the material holds up well.
- Masterclass on the Bullet Solver in H12 — Jeff Wagner (first half)
- Bullet Solver in H13 — Cameron White
- PyroFX | Volcano — Scott Keating. Pay particular attention to the velocity vector field manipulation.
Below, under Dynamics Topics, the particle workflow is documented as of Houdini 13.0 and up.
↑ Back to topDynamics Topics
Volumes & Code
Point Clouds
Thanks to Steve S. and Zak D. for these references.
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