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https://github.com/stefanmuller/ldraw2houdini

Import LDraw files directly into Houdini
https://github.com/stefanmuller/ldraw2houdini

cgi houdini ldraw vfx

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Import LDraw files directly into Houdini

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README 

        
# LDraw2Houdini



### Import LDraw files directly into Houdini



Source individual parts or import entire models with one-button shelf tools!



[![render of example scene](/resources/help/brickini_example_scene.jpg)](https://youtu.be/JDEZ5LpPKfM)



[Watch YouTube Showcase Video](https://youtu.be/JDEZ5LpPKfM)



## Features

- **Import individual bricks & entire models**

- **Logo on studs**

- **LDR, L3B & MPD file support:** mpd files contain multiple sub models, referenced by a main model

- **Instancing support:** duplicate bricks are automatically packed and the color is read from the point data

- **Imperfections:** if importing a model, the bricks are not perfectly stacked/aligned to each other for a more realistic look. Bricks can also randomly yellow due to age.

- **Injection points:** options to procedurally add injection marks either on stud or on walls (vintage bricks ~70s and older)

- **Gaps between bricks:** bricks can be slightly squashed to get tiny gaps between them

- **Slope support** slopes are automatically detected so they can get a grainy texture

- **Bevel and subdivison support:** geometry is automagically cleaned up as much as possible and LDraw lines are used to determine edges that need to be beveled to allow proper subdivision

- **Auto caching** every imported part will automatically be cached in LDraw library; Importing times will decrease the more LDraw2Houdini is used.

- **Auto generate textures for prints/stickers** for modern cg workflows

- **Auto uvs**

- **Material properties:** simple config file to define softness, graininess and roughness for individual parts

- **Solaris + Karma example scene** contains MaterialX shader showcasing how to create high quality renderings

- **ACES colorspace:** LDraw colors are converted to acescg



## Requirements

- Houdini 20 (Py 3.10)

- SideFX Labs for auto uv feature

- OCIO ACES colorspace configuration for Houdini



## Installation



1. Download the latest [release](https://github.com/stefanmuller/ldraw2houdini/releases)

2. Unpack to a directory called **ldraw2houdini**



        # Windows C:\Users\\Documents\git\ldraw2houdini 

        # Linux ~/git/ldraw2houdini



3. Download [LDraw parts library](https://library.ldraw.org/updates?latest) - (complete.zip)

4. Unpack to a directory called **ldraw**



        # Windows C:\Users\\Documents\ldraw

        # Linux ~/ldraw



5. Download **ldraw2houdini.json** from [release page](https://github.com/stefanmuller/ldraw2houdini/releases). Place it in the Houdini packages folder.

6. If packages folder doesn't exist create it yourself.



        # Windows C:\Users\\Documents\houdiniXX.X\packages

        # Linux ~/houdiniXX.X/packages



7. Launch Houdini - Happy ldrawing!



### Optional Steps

8. Make sure you have Houdini 20 with **Python 3.10** installed. If you are running 3.9 you have to rename the **python3.10libs** folder to **python3.9libs**



9. If you placed anything in different paths, adjust **ldraw2houdini.json** accordingly.

    - LDRAW2HOUDINI needs to point to the path of this plugin

    - LDRAW_LIB needs to point to the LDraw library

    - Under Windows $HOME points to C:\Users\\\\Documents

    - Under Linux $HOME is ~/



                {

                "env": [

                        { "LDRAW2HOUDINI": "$HOME/git/ldraw2houdini" },

                        { "LDRAW_LIB": "$HOME/ldraw" },

                        { "LDRAW_CACHE": 0 }

                ],

                "path": [

                        "${LDRAW2HOUDINI}"

                ]

                }



10. Set LDRAW_CACHE to 0 or 1 to enable/disable caching. This will write bgeo files to **$LDRAW_LIB/bgeo**. Remember to delete this folder if you update your LDraw parts library.

11. If you install a new release and want to upgrade your hdas in an existing scene run the **Upgrade Brickini HDAs Shelf Tool**

12. See [release notes](https://github.com/stefanmuller/ldraw2houdini/releases) for more details and explanations of specific features



## Quickstart Guide



### Import a single part



1. Create a **Brickini LDraw Part** node inside a Geometry node in SOP context

2. Type a cool part number into the **Part** parameter: 2546p01

3. Change **Material** parameter to red

4. Look at that awesome classic parrot



![a parrot in the houdini viewport](/resources/help/brickini_ldraw_part.jpg)



### Import an entire model



1. Add the Brickini Shelf to your toolbar 

2. Click **LDraw Model** or **LDraw Model Dynamic**

3. Choose an LDraw model file

4. Prints won't show up in the viewport, if bricks are packed (default) but are supported when rendering with Karma/Solaris

5. Example scene with Karma material can be found here:



        ldraw2houdini/resources/example_files/example_scene.hiplc



![boutique hotel](/resources/help/brickini_ldraw_model.jpg)



## Contributions

- LDraw Model HDA (Dynamic mode): Kai Stavginski

- Auto caching concept/idea: Kai Stavginski



## Resources



- [LDraw Official Model Repository](https://library.ldraw.org/omr)  

- Official sets made in LDraw

[Eurobricks Thread](https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/48285-key-topic-official-lego-sets-made-in-ldraw/)



## If you like this and want to support me



You can buy me a coffee :) [Buy Me a Coffee](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stefanmuller)