Houdini 17.5 Nodes Object nodes

Top Network object node

The TOP Network Object contains nodes to running tasks

On this page

Parameters

Cook Controls

Generate Static Work Items

Generates static work items in all nodes in the TOP network. None of the work items will be cooked, and dynamic nodes will do nothing.

Cook Output Node

Cooks the output node in the TOP network.

Dirty All

Dirties all work items in all of the TOP nodes inside the network.

Cancel Cook

Cancels the current cook, if one is running.

Save/Load Task Graph

Save Task Graph

Saves the state of all work items to an external file, which can be restored using the Load Task Graph button. The task graph is saved to the path specified in the Task Graph File parameter.

Load Task Graph

Dirties the network and loads the task graph file in the Task Graph File parameter.

Auto Save Rate

When this parameter is enabled, TOPs will save the task graph to disk at regular intervals. The save rate is specified in seconds.

Scheduler

Default TOP Scheduler

Specifies the default scheduler node that will be used by all TOP nodes, unless the TOP node has its own scheduler override.

Examples

The following examples include this node.

example_top_attributecopy Example for Attribute Copy TOP node

This example demonstrates how to copy attributes from one workitem to another.

example_top_attributecreate Example for Attribute Create TOP node

This example demonstrates how to create attributes for workitems of TOP nodes.

example_top_attributedelete Example for Attribute Delete TOP node

This example demonstrates how to delete attributes for workitems of TOP nodes.

example_top_attributefromstring Example for Attribute from String TOP node

This example demonstrates how to create attributes for workitems from a piece of string attribute coming from upstream.

example_top_csvinput Example for CSV Input TOP node

This example demonstrates how to read in data from CSV files. The CSV Input node will read CSV files and create 1 workitem per row.

example_top_csvoutput Example for CSV Output TOP node

This example demonstrates how to create a csv file from pdg work item’s attributes.

example_top_downloadfile Example for Download File TOP node

This example demonstrates how to download a file using the downloadfile node.

example_top_environmentedit Example for Environment Edit TOP node

This example demonstrates how to modify the environment variables before spawning a child process.

example_top_errorhandler Example for Error Handler TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the Error Handler node in PDG / TOPs.

example_top_feedbackbegin Example for Block Begin Feedback TOP node

This example demonstrates how to create a feedback loop.

example_top_feedbackend Example for Block End Feedback TOP node

This example demonstrates how to create a feedback loop.

example_top_ffmpegencodevideo Example for FFmpeg Encode Video TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use FFmpeg Encode Video node to encode a sequence of images into a video file.

example_top_ffmpegextractimages Example for FFmpeg Extract Images TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use FFmpeg Extract Images node to extract images from a video file.

example_top_filecompress Example for File Compress TOP node

This example demonstrates how to compress files using TOPs / PDG.

example_top_filecopy Example for File Copy TOP node

This example demonstrates how to copy files using TOPs / PDG.

example_top_filedecompress Example for File Decompress TOP node

This example demonstrates how to decompress files using TOPs / PDG.

example_top_filepattern Example for File Pattern TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use File Pattern to load files using a match expression.

example_top_fileremove Example for File Remove TOP node

This example demonstrates how to remove a file using the Remove File node.

example_top_filerename Example for File Rename TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the File Rename node to rename a group of files.

example_top_filterbyexpression Example for Filter By Expression TOP node

This example demonstrates how to filter upstream workitems so that the remaining set can be further processed or debugged.

example_top_forloopwithfeedback

This example demonstrates how to use the for loop with feedback construct in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_genericcommandchain

This example demonstrates how to create generic command chains.

example_top_genericgenerator Example for Generic Generator TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use generic generators to both prototype setups and to run custom command line executables.

example_top_geometryimport Example for Geometry Import TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use geometry import to interact with SOP networks by creating a workitem per detail, primitive, point, or vertex.

example_top_hdaprocessor Example for HDA Processor TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use HDA Processor to distribute HDAs using PDG/TOPs.

example_top_imagemagick Example for ImageMagick TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use Image Magick to montage and convert images.

example_top_invoke Example for Invoke TOP node

This example demonstrates how to run compiled blocks using pdg data as input.

example_top_jsoninput Example for Json Input TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use json input node to create workitems based on information contained in json files.

example_top_jsonoutput Example for Json Output TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use json output node to write workitem data to json format, or to reformat existing json files.

example_top_makedir Example for Make Directory TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use Make Dir to create directories on the system.

example_top_mapall Example for Map All TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the Map All node to establish dependencies from everything downstream to everything upstream.

example_top_mapbyindex Example for Map by Index TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the Map by Index node to establish dependencies from downstream to upstream based on workitem index.

example_top_mapbyrange Example for Map by Range TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the Map by Range node to establish dependencies from downstream to upstream based on workitem index.

example_top_merge Example for Merge TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the merge node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_null Example for Null TOP node

This example demonstrates the usage of null nodes.

example_top_partitionall

This example demonstrates how to use the partition all node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_partitionbyattribute Example for Partition by Attribute TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the partition by attribute node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_partitionbybounds Example for Partition by Bounds TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the partition by bounds node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_partitionbycombination Example for Partition by Combination TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the partition by combination node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_partitionbycomparison Example for Partition by Comparison TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the partition by combination node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_partitionbyexpression Example for Partition by Expression TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the partition by expression node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_partitionbyframe Example for Partition by Frame TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the partition by frame node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_partitionbyindex Example for Partition by Index TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the partition by index node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_partitionbynode Example for Partition by Node TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the partition by node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_partitionbyrange Example for Partition by Range TOP node

This example demonstrates the multiple partition options provided by the partition by range node.

example_top_partitionbytile Example for Partition by Tile TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the partition by tile node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_perforce Example for Perforce TOP node

This example demonstrates how to perform multiple perforce operations.

example_top_pythonmapper Example for Python Mapper TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the Python Mapper node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_pythonpartitioner Example for Python Partitioner TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the Python Partitioner node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_pythonprocessor Example for Python Processor TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the python processor in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_pythonscript Example for Python Script TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the Python Script node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_renderifd Example for Render IFD TOP node

This example demonstrates how to render ifd files using the renderifd node.

example_top_ropalembic Example for ROP Alembic Output TOP node

This example demonstrates how to produce an alembic (abc) file from a sop node using the top rop alembic node.

example_top_ropcomposite Example for ROP Composite Output TOP node

This examples demonstrates how to use rop composite node to run a cop network using pdg data as input.

example_top_ropfetch Example for ROP Fetch TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the ROP Fetch node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_ropgeometry Example for ROP Geometry Output TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the workitem expand node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_ropmantra Example for ROP Mantra Render TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the ROP Mantra node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_sendemail Example for Send Email TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the send email top node to send a simple e-mail.

example_top_sort Example for Sort TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the sort node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_split Example for Split TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the split node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_switch Example for Switch TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the switch node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_texttocsv Example for Text to CSV TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the Text to CSV node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_topfetch Example for TOP Fetch TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use Top Fetch to fetch results from other top networks.

example_top_topfetchinput Example for TOP Fetch Input TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use Top Fetch to fetch results from other top networks (using Top Fetch Input).

example_top_wedge Example for Wedge TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the wedge node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_workitemexpand Example for Work Item Expand TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the workitem expand node in PDG/TOPs.

example_top_xmlinput Example for Xml Input TOP node

This example demonstrates how to use the xml input node in PDG/TOPs.

Object nodes

  • Agent Cam

    Create and attach camera to a crowd agent.

  • Alembic Archive

    Loads the objects from an Alembic scene archive (.abc) file into the object level.

  • Alembic Xform

    Loads only the transform from an object or objects in an Alembic scene archive (.abc).

  • Ambient Light

    Adds a constant level of light to every surface in the scene (or in the light’s mask), coming from no specific direction.

  • Auto Bone Chain Interface

    The Auto Bone Chain Interface is created by the IK from Objects and IK from Bones tools on the Rigging shelf.

  • Blend

    Switches or blends between the transformations of several input objects.

  • Blend Sticky

    Computes its transform by blending between the transforms of two or more sticky objects, allowing you to blend a position across a polygonal surface.

  • Bone

    The Bone Object is used to create hierarchies of limb-like objects that form part of a hierarchy …

  • COP2 Plane

    Container for the Compositing operators (COP2) that define a picture.

  • Camera

    You can view your scene through a camera, and render from its point of view.

  • Dop Network

    The DOP Network Object contains a dynamic simulation.

  • Environment Light

    Environment Lights provide background illumination from outside the scene.

  • Extract Transform

    The Extract Transform Object gets its transform by comparing the points of two pieces of geometry.

  • Fetch

    The Fetch Object gets its transform by copying the transform of another object.

  • Formation Crowd Example

    Crowd example showing a changing formation setup

  • Franken Muscle

    Creates a custom muscle by combining any number of geometry objects, muscle rigs, and muscle pins.

  • Fuzzy Logic Obstacle Avoidance Example

  • Fuzzy Logic State Transition Example

  • Geometry

    Container for the geometry operators (SOPs) that define a modeled object.

  • Groom Merge

    Merges groom data from multiple objects into one.

  • Guide Deform

    Moves the curves of a groom with animated skin.

  • Guide Groom

    Generates guide curves from a skin geometry and does further processing on these using an editable SOP network contained within the node.

  • Guide Simulate

    Runs a physics simulation on the input guides.

  • Hair Card Generate

    Converts dense hair curves to a polygon card, keeping the style and shape of the groom.

  • Hair Card Texture Example

    An example of how to create a texture for hair cards.

  • Hair Generate

    Generates hair from a skin geometry and guide curves.

  • Handle

    The Handle Object is an IK tool for manipulating bones.

  • Indirect Light

    Indirect lights produce illumination that has reflected from other objects in the scene.

  • Instance

    Instance Objects can instance other geometry, light, or even subnetworks of objects.

  • Light

    Light Objects cast light on other objects in a scene.

  • Light template

    A very limited light object without any built-in render properties. Use this only if you want to build completely custom light with your choice of properties.

  • Microphone

    The Microphone object specifies a listening point for the SpatialAudio CHOP.

  • Mocap Acclaim

    Import Acclaim motion capture.

  • Mocap Biped 1

    A male character with motion captured animations.

  • Mocap Biped 2

    A male character with motion captured animations.

  • Mocap Biped 3

    A male character with motion captured animations.

  • Muscle

    The Muscle object is a versatile tool that can be used when rigging characters and creatures with musculature.

  • Muscle Pin

    Creates a simple rigging component for attaching regions of a Franken Muscle to your character rig.

  • Muscle Rig

    Creates the internal components of a muscle (the rig), by stroking a curve onto a skin object.

  • Null

    Serves as a place-holder in the scene, usually for parenting. this object does not render.

  • Path

    The Path object creates an oriented curve (path)

  • PathCV

    The PathCV object creates control vertices used by the Path object.

  • Pxr AOV Light

    Pxr AOV Light object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Barn Light Filter

    Pxr Barn Light Filter object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Blocker Light Filter

    Pxr Blocker Light Filter object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Cookie Light Filter

    Pxr Cookie Light Filter object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Day Light

    Pxr Day Light object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Disk Light

    Pxr Disk Light object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Distant Light

    Pxr Distant Light object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Dome Light

    Pxr Dome Light object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Gobo Light Filter

    Pxr Gobo Light Filter object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Mesh Light

    Pxr Mesh Light object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Portal Light

    Pxr Portal Light object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Ramp Light Filter

    Pxr Ramp Light Filter object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Rectangle Light

    Pxr Rectangle Light object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Rod Light Filter

    Pxr Rod Light Filter object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Pxr Sphere Light

    Pxr Sphere Light object for RenderMan RIS.

  • Python Script

    The Python Script object is a container for the geometry operators (SOPs) that define a modeled object.

  • Ragdoll Run Example

    Crowd example showing a simple ragdoll setup.

  • Rivet

    Creates a rivet on an objects surface, usually for parenting.

  • Simple Biped

    A simple and efficient animation rig with full controls.

  • Simple Female

    A simple and efficient female character animation rig with full controls.

  • Simple Male

    A simple and efficient male character animation rig with full controls.

  • Sound

    The Sound object defines a sound emission point for the Spatial Audio chop.

  • Stadium Crowds Example

    Crowd example showing a stadium setup

  • Stereo Camera Rig

    Provides parameters to manipulate the interaxial lens distance as well as the zero parallax setting plane in the scene.

  • Stereo Camera Template

    Serves as a basis for constructing a more functional stereo camera rig as a digital asset.

  • Sticky

    Creates a sticky object based on the UV’s of a surface, usually for parenting.

  • Street Crowd Example

    Crowd example showing a street setup with two agent groups

  • Subnet

    Container for objects.

  • Switcher

    Acts as a camera but switches between the views from other cameras.

  • Tissue Solver

    Collects muscles, anatomical bone models, and skin objects and places them into a single dynamics simulation.

  • Toon Character

    A ready-to-animate Toon Character.

  • Top Network

    The TOP Network Object contains nodes to running tasks

  • VR Camera

    Camera supporting VR image rendering.

  • Viewport Isolator

    A Python Script HDA providing per viewport isolation controls from selection.

  • glTF

  • pxr Int Mult Light Filter

    pxr Int Mult Light Filter object for RenderMan RIS.