The SideFX Labs tools wrap up and release common workflows and create tight integrations with software you use everyday. The tools are developed outside the regular Houdini development cycle which makes them more accessible for testing and feedback.
SideFX Labs on the Horizon
Tool Building in Houdini
HEX Biome Generator
FOR ARTISTS
SideFX Labs is committed to developing tools that empower artists and help them reach their goals more efficiently. Discover our diverse range of tools across various categories.
TOOL DOCS
ARTSTATIONPROJECT DRYAD is an experimental initiative focused on advancing procedural workflows for creating natural environments in Houdini. It aims to provide tools for efficiently generating detailed landscapes, forests, and terrains, offering flexibility and creative control for artists working with large-scale environments.
PROJECT VITRUVIUS is an upcoming toolset designed to enhance procedural workflows for creating architecture and urban environments in Houdini. It provides tools for generating and customizing buildings, cities, and other architectural structures, allowing for more efficient and flexible modeling of complex environments.
GAME ENGINES
When working with game engines, handling complex simulations like terrain generation, pyro effects such as fire, smoke, explosions, grooming of hair, fur, and vegetation, and particles such as rain, snow, magic effects, is crucial for creating an immersive experience.
GAME ENGINE PLUGINS | Houdini’s Game Engine Plugin tools enable seamless integration of assets and simulations into Unreal and Unity. Artists can export procedural content directly into the game engine and view real-time updates, streamlining the iteration and optimization process.
EXPORTERS | Exporter tools in Houdini simplify transferring assets, simulations, and data to various platforms. They ensure compatibility and maintain fidelity when exporting to game engines or other 3D software, enhancing workflow efficiency.
GEOMETRY
Houdini's geometry tools provide a comprehensive suite for manipulating and processing 3D geometry. These tools allow artists to efficiently create, modify, and optimize complex meshes through procedural workflows.
WORLD BUILDING
When crafting worlds for games, films, or other digital content, several aspects like biome creation, architectural elements, prop placement, road systems, set dressing, terrain, and vegetation must be thoughtfully designed to create a convincing environment.
REALTIME FX
Powerful tools for crafting breathtaking, high-end visual effects, including destructions, fluid, pyro, and particle simulations.
INTEGRATION
SideFX Labs provides a variety of integrations, including support for photogrammetry, lookdev, and texture generation, to facilitate smooth asset exchange with other tools and enhance your workflow efficiency.
PIPELINE
Integration with a variety of pipeline tools for caching, data processing, dependency mapping, import/export, and task generation is essential in many production workflows.
IMAGE
Tools for color adjustment, attribute import, masking, texture tiling, and normal map editing.
RENDERING
Generate stunning, high-quality renders using advanced tools for camera control, geometry, lighting, materials, rendering, and shaders.
CHARACTER
Advanced character and animation tools for deformation, grooming, performance capture, and rigging to bring your characters to life.
UTILITY
Utilities and viewport tools such as validate geometry type, sticker placer, and ruler.
GET SIDEFX LABS TOOLS
HOUDINI LAUNCHER
The Houdini Launcher allows you to install the SideFX Labs tools with every Houdini installation or on their own using packages. This is the easiest way to incorporate Labs into your workflow.
If you require access to a previous production build, you can download the package directly from the SideFX website.
SIDEFX LABS
ON GITHUB
If you need access to an earlier version or want the latest updates before the official release is available, you can download the package directly from the GitHub repository. This allows you to stay up-to-date or access specific versions of the software as needed.