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Houdini Reviews & Product Details

Verified User in Motion Pictures and Film
UM
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Houdini?

The procedural work flow allows for easy, quick changes to be made anywhere in the pipeline. This saves me a tremendous amount of time. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Houdini?

The learning curve to start using the program is quite steep, but I can't say I dislike that. I've really enjoyed learning everything I have done so far, even though it has been difficult at times. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Houdini:

It's tough to learn, but definitely worth the trouble! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Houdini solving and how is that benefiting you?

Most recently I was working on an independent film where an alien vomits on a character. The crew could not get it to look good practically, so we decided to sim it in Houdini. For my first liquid simulation, it turned out great! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Houdini Overview

What is Houdini?

SideFX develops Houdini, a 3D animation and visual effects software for use in film, commercials and video games.

Houdini Details
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Product Description

SideFX develops Houdini, a 3D animation and visual effects software for use in film, commercials and video games.


Seller Details
Seller
SideFX
Year Founded
1987
HQ Location
Toronto, Canada
Twitter
@sidefx
48,998 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
186 employees on LinkedIn®

Christopher H.
CH
Overview Provided by:
Marketing Director at SideFX / Houdini

Recent Houdini Reviews

Simone C.
SC
Simone C.Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
4.5 out of 5
"The best you can use nowdays"
Costructive type of workflow, easy approach from new entry and high entry user
DN
Debabrata N.Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
5.0 out of 5
"It allows artists to create complex effects and simulations by building networks of nodes."
Procedural Workflow, VFX Capabilities, Dynamic Simulation, Procedural Modeling, Openness, and Integration. It also provides scripting and programm...
IB
Ian B.Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
4.5 out of 5
"Houdini Makes Your images and jobs look clean."
Houdini works well with other 3D software. It has helped the team work together and make better work flow processes that they are able to follow t...
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Houdini Media

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Video Reviews

32 out of 33 Total Reviews for Houdini

4.5 out of 5
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32 out of 33 Total Reviews for Houdini
4.5 out of 5
32 out of 33 Total Reviews for Houdini
4.5 out of 5

Houdini Pros and Cons

How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Cons
G2 reviews are authentic and verified.
Simone C.
SC
FX Supervisor
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
More Options
Validated Reviewer
Review source: Thank You page
What do you like best about Houdini?

Costructive type of workflow, easy approach from new entry and high entry user Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Houdini?

viewport is quite brokwn, was never been resolved, solaris is bringing all the issue that the sop view has, laggin and crushing solari Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Houdini solving and how is that benefiting you?

visual effects Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Shane O.
SO
Senior 3D Lighting & Motion Graphics Artist at Amazon
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Houdini?

I love Houdini as a highly technical and node-based way of viewing 3D and FX creation. The software helps me think of 3D differently with its parametric workflows and its huge gambit of tools. It makes complicated tasks in other 3D programs much more efficient. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Houdini?

I think Houdini can have a pretty significant learning curve. I think there's lots of things that could be streamlined/warned to the user when things are set up wrong to prevent user error for learners. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Houdini solving and how is that benefiting you?

Houdini creatively makes work more efficient and technichal at the same time. I can do more complex tasks with fine control using VEX code and my own custom parameters. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Kanika M.
KM
Business Development Executive
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
More Options
Validated Reviewer
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Houdini?

When it comes to 3D Animation, the one-stop solution is Houdini. I came across this beautiful bit late. But it has dramatically impacted my profile since I added it to my portfolio. Best Rendering, Easy to use and efficient when it comes to lengthy designs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Houdini?

There is nothing to dislike about Houdini, as I've been using it for a while now. Now, it's convenient for me. The best part is that every update of Houdini solves more significant problems for every designer. So, it's user-friendly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Houdini solving and how is that benefiting you?

In the older versions of Houdini, working on it for long hours is a bit difficult. But the regular updates are much better than the last version, which is very effective. Rendering complex designs now makes achieving a good output level easy. And 3D Modeling works exceptionally well. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

DN
Consultant
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
More Options
Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
(Original )Information
What do you like best about Houdini?

Procedural Workflow, VFX Capabilities, Dynamic Simulation, Procedural Modeling, Openness, and Integration. It also provides scripting and programming interfaces, such as Python and VEX, enabling users to extend and customize the software to suit their specific needs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Houdini?

Steep Learning Curve, Complexity, Performance, Limited Resources, and Community. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Houdini solving and how is that benefiting you?

Its robust toolset empowers artists to tackle complex VFX challenges and achieve high-quality results. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

IB
engineer
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
More Options
Validated Reviewer
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Houdini?

Houdini works well with other 3D software. It has helped the team work together and make better work flow processes that they are able to follow to completion. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Houdini?

There are some feature requests we have asked for and take some time to get a response. The community is also struggling with similar issues as we are and unable to assist. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Houdini solving and how is that benefiting you?

We are able to render our models much faster with Houdini. It was a tool that has helped fill in our needs for our architects who are putting together the software to make our product technologically advanced. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Priyanuj D.
PD
Associate Video Editor
E-Learning
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
More Options
Validated Reviewer
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Houdini?

The ease of using the tool. Most of the nodes are self explanatory and is sorted very efficiently. Also, the node based interface helps in reducing issues with the project you're working on as we can easily get back to the roots to get something changed at a later time. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Houdini?

The cost of the tool really restricts you to work indivually with the full potential of the software. Even though we have different versons for individual users, but it still is very high. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Houdini solving and how is that benefiting you?

I worked with the toll to create complex RBD, Fluid and Pyro simulations. It really handles the load and works on most of the systems which makes it a versatile software to be working on. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

SC
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
More Options
Validated Reviewer
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Houdini?

Its VFX capabilities offer a wide range of features for fluid simulation, particle systems and more. This helps in creating high-quality visual effects for films and games. Its procedural workflows helps artist to work freely Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Houdini?

Creating basic animation may require more steps and technical knowledge than other software. Its pricing can deter some users, especially those on a tight budget. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Houdini solving and how is that benefiting you?

Customization and Automation empower users to automate repetitive tasks, optimize workflows and enhance productivity. VFX integration efficiently allows exchanging of assets and data between Houdini and other software like Maya and 3ds Max. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Roohi M.
RM
Sr. Graphic Designer
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Houdini?

First of all, it's free. Though it's free, it doesn't mean its anyway lesser than other softwares. It's a booming 3d software. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Houdini?

There is nothing so far I don't like about this software. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Houdini solving and how is that benefiting you?

I can make 3d scenes, animations, character animation and modeling with this software. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Akash M.
AM
Colorist
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
More Options
Validated Reviewer
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Houdini?

The possibility of creating any type of Fx from scratch. It's mind-blowing how much the software can offer. The biggest advantage is the network system which offers an organized and multitude of combination to even go beyond your imagination. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Houdini?

Many combination are incorporated deep inside the nodes which can be brought to the forefront. It iwll reduce the hastle that the user goes through while creating desired output. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Houdini solving and how is that benefiting you?

It solves the biggest problem of creating real world, physics based FX. You can literally create anything you want and alter it as per your design. And their support is amazing. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Garvit G.
GG
3D Artist
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
More Options
Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Houdini?

The ability to create and handle simulations with ease. Also, the procedural workflow of Houdini is unmatched compared to any other software. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Houdini?

In the beginning, it looks very overwhelming and complicated since it is purely node-based. They can add some interface elements to make it more accessible for beginners. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Houdini:

Houdini could be very overwhelming at first but if you learn it, it is very much fun. A must-try for anyone in the CG industry. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Houdini solving and how is that benefiting you?

Mostly we used it for simulation but sometimes we use it for some procedural modeling as well. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.