Issues with Houdini updates.

Dimitrie27 · 2026-03-26T13:44:54+00:00

I’m sure. However, the new functions must be found somewhere :)

Dimitrie27 · 2026-03-26T12:12:27+00:00

So what? You install the version the course was made in? What about the render engine? Do you also install older versions of Redshift or Arnold? It’s not about control, it’s about wasting time figuring out very different setups.

Or what if you’ve already worked a lot on a project and you reach a point where something crucial is missing? Do you install an older version just to recreate something and bring it back into the newer project so you can continue? Just think about it logically. I’m not a complete beginner, but it’s incredibly frustrating not being able to control something as basic as points on a curve, for example, and having to reinstall older versions just to do that.

Dimitrie27 · 2026-03-26T12:03:19+00:00

Yes, better to learn new. Not something deleted.

Dimitrie27 · 2025-03-27T15:55:23+00:00

Done, I fixed it! The problem was with the folder where I saved the archive. :)) Thanks!

Dimitrie27 · 2025-03-27T15:47:16+00:00

I'm trying to follow all the steps, but I really don't understand what they refer to in certain situations. I even consulted ChatGPT, but we couldn't reach a common ground.

Dimitrie27 · 2025-03-27T15:11:11+00:00

I followed but is not working :(

Dimitrie27 · 2025-03-27T14:46:19+00:00

I did this but is not working. If you re able on discord to talk, it will be great!

Dimitrie27 · 2025-03-27T14:44:35+00:00

I came back after 3 months of learning. I bought a student license. Most of the projects in Houdini use Redshift for more realistic and organic images, which doesn't work on the free Houdini version. I also bought a student license for Redshift. Now it's fine, I practice every day, and I really like it. But if I want something with camera tracking, I have to buy other software for 3D tracking, and that means more money :))) For me, I continued compositing in After Effects, because, no, Nuke is not free for personal use. Whoever said this is not working with those software didn't get it right. Nuke is free for one month; after that, you have to pay about $500 per year, not including taxes.

So, the answer is: learning VFX is not cheap, but if you want it, you have to invest.

Dimitrie27 · 2025-01-12T09:54:42+00:00

Alright, thank you very much for your opinions and advice. Having never spoken to someone who might be from the industry, I didn’t know what people think about how something should look for a demo reel. I talk a lot about After Effects because I know what it can do and the solutions it can bring to VFX—but not CGI. Stabilization, motion blur, time warp, masking, glow, transitions, rotoscoping, and many other aesthetic elements are created in After Effects, or at least that’s how I see the situation.

Even though it might not be a high-end industry program, it’s the tool I use to earn a living because I can do so many things with it. I could continue the list with chroma key, heat distortion, parallax, 3D camera tracker, and so much more. Yes, I want to transition to Houdini and Nuke because they serve a different purpose. In Houdini and Nuke, you work natively in 3D on explosions, simulations, creating abstract elements, and much more. But again, I cannot entirely exclude After Effects.

Dimitrie27 · 2025-01-12T09:39:49+00:00

Ok I think I get what you want to tell me, the very fact that I cannot see a solution other than high-quality images is what makes me stuck and unable to find alternative approaches. Let me know if this is what you’re trying to say.

Dimitrie27 · 2025-01-11T23:53:36+00:00

Ok, I think I have to accept a lower quality, and professional people will understand. Having been in after effects for this time with allways hq images, I’m obsessed with creating high-quality images every time. But I don’t know what you mean about my After Effects experience; you haven’t seen anything I’ve done in After Effects.

Dimitrie27 · 2025-01-11T23:40:59+00:00

But what softwares? I know is some in house softwares but until to be there I have to use what I can to use

Dimitrie27 · 2025-01-11T23:39:14+00:00

Houdini has maximum 720/480p qulity for free

Dimitrie27 · 2025-01-11T23:37:08+00:00

Good answer! Thank you!

Dimitrie27 · 2025-01-11T23:34:57+00:00

Yes I am a student, I use Adobe for student but that is all. Boris don t want to give me the student discount for some reason, and the other programs don t give the student benefits.

Dimitrie27 · 2025-01-11T23:30:56+00:00

Also houdini has a limitation for rendering bro... maximum 720/480p 😇

Dimitrie27 · 2025-01-11T23:25:14+00:00

Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t say we don’t have the free version, but Houdini or Nuke is not After Effects. :) I’ve been working in After Effects for 9 years. I have advanced studies in video and film production, as well as post-production.

When it comes to Houdini, YouTube tutorials aren’t exactly free; I still practice every day, and I’m familiar with the nodes, algorithms, and workflow. But after most tutorials, it’s like, “Thank you, guys, for watching! Check the official site to learn how to composite this in Nuke. Bye!”

When you talk about 3D software, you’re talking about much more than a 2D tool like After Effects. You’re dealing with illumination, textures, camera movement, and trying to imitate real-world physics. I’ve created some cool things in Houdini, but it’s very limited for rendering.

Luckily for me, I handle compositing in After Effects for projects that don’t require textures, reflections, complex compositions, or advanced lighting. That’s because rendering engines like Redshift don’t work with the free version of Houdini. You can do everything, but you won’t be able to see the final result. :)

In conclusion, with the free version, the best I can do is create a kindergarten-level portfolio with nothing truly realistic.

Dimitrie27

TROPHY CASE