Sidefx Houdini 20.5.278

As the initial release, build .278 has several documented limitations and bugs that were addressed in subsequent daily builds.

New example-based nodes for creating ML setups entirely inside Houdini. SideFX Houdini 20.5.278

: SideFX has focused on optimizing the software's performance, ensuring that Houdini 20.5.278 runs smoother and more stable than ever. This means artists can work on complex scenes without the worry of crashes or slowdowns, significantly improving productivity. As the initial release, build

The headline feature of this release is , a GPU-accelerated framework for 2D and 3D image processing. This means artists can work on complex scenes

A high-performance, GPU-accelerated 2D and 3D image framework. It serves as a modern alternative to traditional texturing tools, allowing for procedural texture generation, NPR (non-photorealistic) shading, and real-time "slap comps" directly within Houdini.

: A fast, GPU-accelerated Material Point Method solver for simulating granular materials like snow, sand, mud, and solid mechanics.

Houdini 20.5.278, released in July 2024, marked the initial launch of the 20.5 cycle. While officially considered a "quality-of-life" update, it introduced major foundational shifts, most notably the image-processing context. Key Features & New Toolsets