Craft Paper Origami from Any 3D Model — HHS2:E1

Season 2 Premiere! In this episode, we’re shifting gears to focus more on workflows between Houdini and other software like Blender, Maya, and C4D, while also using renderers like Karma. This season is less about heavy simulations and more about practical setups that can ease your transition into Houdini—perfect if you’ve been meaning to get started but weren’t sure how. In this first episode, we'll go through creating a procedural paper origami effect and show you how to bring models from Maya into Houdini. It’s a bit more beginner-friendly, so don’t worry if you’re fairly new to the software. Here are three important tips from this episode: Scale Matching Between Software When transferring models from Maya (or other software) to Houdini, consider the unit conversion discrepancy. For instance, Maya uses centimeters by default, whereas Houdini assumes meters. Adjust the scale using a transform node (0.01 for a 1:100 scale reduction) to ensure accurate geometry size and realistic simulation behavior. Using Procedural Techniques for Paper Origami Looks Utilize nodes like remesh, measure, and group to procedurally target specific geometry areas for modifications. For example: Use remesh to achieve an even, triangulated surface suitable for origami. Measure the size of faces to isolate and apply custom extrusion or folding patterns. Employ crease weights and subdivision to maintain sharp edges, mimicking realistic paper folds. Efficient Pipeline Workflow Streamline the process of importing, modifying, and exporting geometry by structuring the node network for modularity: Use object merge nodes to manage different assets (e.g., source and paper origami versions). Annotate node trees with sticky notes for clarity and reuse. Build reusable setups for similar assets, allowing for quick iteration with minimal manual adjustments. Looking forward to seeing you unfold new creative possibilities in Houdini! Procedural Origami From Maya to Houdini Instructor: Ronald Fong Editor: Jasmine Seo