Houdini bridge
The Houdini bridge is a Python package that lives under your Houdini version's python3.10libs (or the Python libs folder your build uses). Below: install from Asset Hub, then a detailed manual install with paths and verification.
Before you install
- Download the bridge from the Download page or install via Asset Hub → Bridges.
- Houdini 19+ with Python 3.10 is the typical target; your package may ship for a specific Houdini line.
- Set Korvix3D Directory in Asset Hub (Settings → Download Settings). The bridge reads this from the Windows registry (and can fall back to a preferences file — see your build's panel).
Install from Asset Hub (recommended)
- Open Bridges in Asset Hub → Houdini → Install.
- Select the Houdini version(s) when prompted (version strings often look like
21.0.440). - Restart Houdini and open the panel (see Verification).
Manual installation
Manually copy the korvix3d_houdini package into the per-version python3.10libs directory (name may vary if SideFX changes Python — match the folder next to your other Python extensions).
1. Locate the Python libs folder
Replace {version} with your Houdini preference version (e.g. 20.5 or 19.5). On Windows, the Documents path often looks like houdini20.5 (no space).
| OS | Typical path (drop korvix3d_houdini inside the last folder) |
|---|---|
| Windows | C:\Users\<You>\Documents\houdini{version}\python3.10libs\ |
| macOS | ~/Library/Preferences/houdini/{version}/python3.10libs/ |
| Linux | ~/houdini{version}/python3.10libs/ |
You can also use HOUDINI_USER_PREF_DIR if you know where your prefs live — the bridge must end up next to other packages Houdini loads from that tree.
2. Copy the package
Copy the entire korvix3d_houdini directory into python3.10libs. Keep the bundled libs subfolder (requests, watchdog, etc.) — do not install a partial copy.
3. Register or open the panel
In Windows → Python Shell:
import korvix3d_houdini korvix3d_houdini.register()
To open the Qt panel:
import korvix3d_houdini korvix3d_houdini.show_panel()
Optional: create a shelf tool with the show_panel() snippet so you can open the bridge in one click.
4. Restart and verify
- Restart Houdini after the first copy so paths are picked up cleanly.
- Run the import test above; you should not see "No module named korvix3d_houdini".
- In the panel: configure connection, then Start Bridge once Asset Hub is running and the shared folder is set.
Using the bridge
The panel usually includes Connection (start/stop bridge), Export, Import, Status, and Messages. Exporting published assets may require a Creator account — the panel shows status; use Retry creator check or Diagnose if something looks wrong.
- Check for Imports / Import All Pending: pulls work queued from Asset Hub into Houdini.
- Export scene / selection: sends .hip or selected content per your bridge version.
Troubleshooting (manual install)
- Wrong python3.10libs: Houdini version must match the folder you copied into (e.g. 20.5 vs 21.0).
- Missing requests / watchdog: Restore full package with
libs, or install into Houdini's Python per vendor docs. - Bridge can't see Asset Hub: Confirm Korvix3D Directory in Asset Hub and that the app is running.
Contact support with Houdini version, OS, and Python Shell traceback.