Houdini (software)

Houdini is a 3D animation software application developed by Toronto-based SideFX, who adapted it from the PRISMS suite of procedural generation software tools.

The procedural tools are used to produce different effects such as complex reflections, animations and particles system. Some of its procedural features have been in existence since 1987.

Houdini is most commonly used for the creation of visual effects in film and television. It is used by major VFX companies such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures, DNEG, ILM, MPC, Framestore, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Illumination Studios Paris, Eyeline, Polygon Pictures, Marza Animation Planet, Method Studios and The Mill.

It has been used in many feature animation productions, including Disney's feature films Fantasia 2000, Frozen, Zootopia, Raya and the Last Dragon and Wish, the Blue Sky Studios film Rio, C.O.R.E. Feature Animation's The Wild, and DNA Productions' Ant Bully.

SideFX also publishes Houdini Apprentice, a limited version of the software that is free of charge for non-commercial use.