In this blog we'll be looking at what it takes to create a standalone Houdini asset and upload it to Orbolt. We'll start with our fancy teapot model.

This is our starting scene.

Subnet your nodes
If your setup has multiple objects, first part is to select all objects and collapse them into a subnet. This groups all of the objects into a single node. It makes sharing assets easy as a single node will contain everything that's needed. If you only have a single node/object you can skip this step if you wish (though you can still wrap a single node into a subnet, which future-proofs your asset as you may potentially decide to add more objects later on).


Create Houdini Digital Asset
Next step is to create a Houdini Digital Asset. Click with the right mouse button on the subnet node and choose Create Digital Asset. This opens a window that lets you name your asset and where to save the asset .otl file. (Operator Name is used internally by Houdini; users will see the label in the Tab menus).


Build your asset interface
After the initial creation the asset will have a transform and subnet folders. Since this is our custom asset we will add a control to adjust the shape of the teapot. You can drag and drop promote existing node parameters to top level controls as well as add custom parameters. To keep things organized we'll add our size control into a new folder called 'Controls'. Naming things and grouping them in the interface into logical parts makes the asset easier to use by others.


Promote custom controls
We'll expose the teapot size parameter by promoting it to top level. The goal is for all the controls to be at the top level of the asset so the user can quickly interact with it without having to worry about the internal setup. Drag and drop the 'Radius' on the platonic1 node onto the Controls folder in the asset Type Properties. Click Accept when done.


Congratulations!! You now have your first Digital Asset with custom controls.


Upload your asset to Orbolt
One of the great things about Houdini assets is that they're a great way to share your work with others. Since everything is self contained in a single node, it's easy to give it to others. Orbolt makes this even easier by giving you a central place that assets can be uploaded and downloaded. Before we upload the asset, right mouse button click on the node and choose Match Current Definition. This will sync the asset with the latest changes (if you need to do additional changes you can always unlock it by clicking Allow Editing). Then right mouse button click on the node and choose Upload to Orbolt Asset Store.


Houdini upload process
The upload process makes sure that all the needed files are found and sends the file to Orblot.


Orbolt info
Once the file is uploaded, Orbolt upload page will open in your browser where you can fill in the details about your asset that other users can see. This is where you can show off your asset through videos/screen shots. Here you also specify the price point. It is up to you if you want to share your work with others or sell it and make some profit!!


Hopefully this gave you a better idea about Houdini Digital Assets and Orbolt. If you have any questions or comments freel free to drop us a line at: support@orbolt.com

Got a question about an asset?

Holiday Card Asset Challenge

Post your images too!

HoHoHo!

We decorated the tree over the weekend.

Holiday Challenge is warming up as December approaches!

Houdini Versions, Orbolt Assets and You!

This post covers the differences between Houdini/Houdini Apprentice when creating Orbolt assets.

Below is a handy chart highlighting the major features of each version of Houdini Apprentice.

One of the requirements of Apprentice version is that the software be used for non commercial work only. The good news is that it sill can be used to create assets that can be sold commercially on the Orbolt website! Any assets created with Houdini Apprentice or Houdini Apprentice HD will be converted at upload stage to fully commercial format. This lets anyone download Houdini Apprentice for free and start creating assets without any cost.

The author decides if they want to give away the asset for free or charge for it. If the asset has a set price, an automatic Trial version will be available. This allows users to download and try the asset for 3 days free of charge. The time starts at the moment of download. It gives everyone a chance to play with the assets in the store, without any risk. Once the trial expires the user can choose to purchase the asset if they would like to continue to use it.

Any assets that are sold will have two prices that the users can choose from. The Apprentice version, which will usually be cheaper to fall in line with Houdini Apprentice/HD pricing. This version can be used for non commercial projects and will taint the Houdini session into non commercial format. The commercial version of the asset can be used without any restrictions for commercial or non commercial projects.

Any questions or concerns don't hesitate to ask at: support@orbolt.com

Don't launder your money, clear your cache! Yes we've updated the server to roll in some new features: Version history, enhanced uploads, and copy-protection for free assets. Upload your otl file and see what's new!

Version History:
Now when you upload or update an asset, you can new describe what changes you have made since the last version. This information is visible every Asset's page in the Orbolt Asset store, and will soon be available inside Houdini when you're prompted to update an asset.

Copy Protection for Free Assets:
Authors are now able to copy-protect free assets, should they desire. Until now, only paid assets could be copy-protected. Now, you can still give your asset away for free but hide how it works.

Upload Enhancements:
The upload page has been redesigned and streamlined to make it easier to upload assets. Managing icons has been simplified, especially when the otl file contains an icon that is different from the previous version's icon.