SyncTools for Houdini

Overview

SyncTools Pro is a cross-software tool designed to simplify the process of copying and pasting detailed scene data between different applications, such as Blender and Houdini. With a single click, you can export and import objects (including meshes, lights, cameras, materials, animations, etc.) from one scene to another, saving you significant time and effort in your production workflow.

Multi-DCC Platform Support

The SyncTools series now extends support to major digital content creation software, including:

• SyncTools for Blender (Released)
• SyncTools for Maya (Released)
• SyncTools for 3ds Max (Released)
• SyncTools for Cinema 4D (Released)
• SyncTools for Houdini (Released)
• SyncTools for Zbrush (In Development)
• SyncTools for Rhino (Released)
• SyncTools for Marvelous Designer (Released)
• SyncTools for Substance Painter (In Development)
• SyncTools for Unreal Engine (In Development)
• SyncTools for Unity (In Development)

All plugins use a unified data exchange protocol, enabling seamless cross-platform, lossless asset conversion and true multi-software collaborative workflows.

Blender Side

1. Plugin Installation

• Step 1: Open Blender and navigate to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.
• Step 2: Click the Install button and select the SyncTools Pro ZIP file.
• Step 3: After installation, enable the plugin by checking the box next to SyncTools Pro. The plugin interface will appear under the SyncTools tab in the 3D View sidebar.

2. Plugin Settings

In the Preferences menu, you can configure various options with an intuitive interface:

• Shortcut Mode: Choose between standard keyboard shortcuts or mouse drag methods based on your personal workflow.
• Import/Export Options: Select the elements to include when transferring data. Options include lights, cameras, materials, meshes, skeletons, and baked animations.
• Global Scaling Settings: Adjust the overall scale applied to the scene during import and export.
• Renderer Sync Feature: Enable the "Sync Renderer" option (e.g., for Octane material sync) to ensure material settings stay consistent across different environments.

Note: All changes in settings take effect automatically in the background, no extra steps are needed after adjustments.

3. Workflow

Copying

• Select: In the 3D View, select the objects you want to copy.
• Copy: Click the Copy button in the SyncTools panel or use the assigned shortcut (default: Ctrl+Shift+C).
• Export: The plugin exports your selection as an FBX file to the specified cache folder (Documents/cache folder).

Pasting

• Switch Scenes: Move to the target scene or project.
• Paste: Click the Paste button or use the appropriate shortcut (default: Ctrl+Shift+V).
• Import: The plugin automatically imports the latest FBX file from the cache and filters out any data according to your import settings.

Using Shortcuts In addition to panel buttons, you can use customizable shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+C for copy, Ctrl+Shift+V for paste) to streamline your workflow. These shortcuts can be adjusted in the plugin settings if necessary.

Houdini Side

1. Plugin Installation & Initialization

System Requirements:

• Houdini 16 or higher
• Supports Windows, macOS, Linux

Installation Steps:

1. Copy SyncTools_Copy.py and SyncTools_Paste.py files into Houdini’s toolbar directory:
   • Windows: C:\Users\【Your Username】\Documents\houdiniVersion\toolbar
   • macOS: ~/Documents/houdiniVersion/toolbar
   • Linux: ~/houdiniVersion/toolbar
2. Launch Houdini.
3. Create a new shelf tab:
   • Right-click on the shelf tab bar, select New Shelf Tab.
   • Name it SyncTools, click Accept.
4. Add the Copy tool:
   • Right-click on the SyncTools tab, select New Tool.
   • Name it Copy, and paste the content of shelf_c file into the script area.
   • Click Accept to save.
5. Add the Paste tool:
   • Right-click again on the SyncTools tab, select New Tool.
   • Name it Paste, and paste the content of shelf_p file into the script area.
   • Click Accept to save.

Note: If you're using a version earlier than Houdini 20.5, modify the script path: python > toolbar_path = os.path.expanduser("~/Documents/houdiniVersion/toolbar")

2. Using the Plugin

Copying

• Select: In Houdini, select the objects you want to copy.
• Copy Command: Click the Copy button on the shelf.
• Export: The plugin exports the selected objects as an FBX file and saves it in the Documents/cache directory.

Pasting

• Target Scene: Open or switch to the scene where you want to import the data.
• Paste Command: Click the Paste button on the shelf.
• Import: The plugin automatically imports the latest FBX file from the cache and integrates it into the scene.

Version Compatibility

Blender Support:

• Official: 4.2 LTS and later
• Experimental: 4.0–4.1 (limited advanced features)

Houdini Support:

• Official: Houdini 20.x
• Compatible: Houdini 16.x - 19.x (path adjustments may be needed)

Data Compatibility

Fully Supported:

• ✔ Basic geometry (Meshes/NURBS)
• ✔ Transform hierarchy
• ✔ Core material properties (PBR workflow)
• ✔ Point light/Spotlight/Directional light
• ✔ Basic animation keyframes
• ✔ Camera parameters (FOV/Focal Length)

Partially Supported:

• ⚠ Complex shader nodes (auto-converted to approximate values)
• ⚠ Skinning weights (vertex order must match)
• ⚠ Driven animations (equivalent expressions required)
• ⚠ UV maps (up to 4 channels supported)

Not Supported:

• ✖ Particle systems
• ✖ Fluid simulation data
• ✖ Procedural textures (need to be pre-baked)
• ✖ Custom shader networks
• ✖ Dynamic constraints (rigid body/fabric)
• ✖ Houdini-specific procedural assets (HDA)

Important Notes

1. Unit System: It is recommended to use the metric system (meters).
2. Axis Conversion: Automatically handles Y-Up ↔ Z-Up conversion.
3. Material Mapping: Blender Principled BSDF ↔ Houdini materials.
4. Naming: Special characters (e.g., @, #, %) may cause import issues.
5. Plugin Dependencies: Requires matching SyncTools versions.
6. Cache Location: All temporary files are stored in the Documents/cache directory.

   (Data conversion via FBX middleware – check release notes for the latest compatibility updates.)

Troubleshooting

If the tool is not working, please check:

• Whether the files are in the correct path.
• Whether the script paths match your Houdini version.
• If the ~/Documents/cache directory exists and has write permissions.
• If there are any console error messages during import/export.

Additional Resources

For detailed tutorials and updates, visit: Official Documentation

Conclusion

SyncTools for Houdini provides a seamless and efficient way to transfer scene data between Blender and Houdini. By utilizing simple copy and paste controls, you can easily exchange detailed scene information, simplifying your creative process. With SyncTools for Houdini, enjoy a more efficient workflow!

Support Blender Foundation

We believe in giving back to the community that makes our work possible. Every month, we dedicate a portion of our plugin's revenue to support the Blender Foundation. Thank you for helping us contribute to the future of open-source creativity.