This toolset is not done and is very WIP. its missing a lot of things currently

BYVFX Tools

Overview

BYVFX Tools is a collection of utilities designed to streamline FX/CG workflows

⚡ Core Features

Pre-Built Simulation Caches Our extensive library of pre-built caches saves valuable simulation time and ensures consistent, high-quality results.

Geometry Caches

Debris Library: Highly detailed, physically accurate debris including rocks, paper, metal pieces, glass, and vegetation Electrical Effects: Ready-to-use electrical animation caches for quick implementation Production-Ready: All caches are optimized for production use with clean topology and efficient file sizes

VDB Caches

Fire Effects: Realistic fire simulations for various scenarios Smoke Collection: Comprehensive range from subtle dust hits to massive smoke plumes Explosion Library: Ready-to-use explosion caches for immediate integration

Interactive Tools (HDAs)

Powerful Houdini Digital Assets are designed for artist-friendly workflow enhancement. Effects Generation

Spark & Smoke Tool: Interactive spark and smoke generation with frame-specific control Lightning & Electrical: Dynamic electrical effect generation system Volume Particle Tool: Advanced particle system (Afterburn clone) Wind Generator: Professional-grade vector field generation for pyro effects Liquid Hit Tool: Fluid simulation setup with artist-friendly controls

Production Utilities

Camera Setup: Automated camera creation with plate integration and resolution matching Projection Tool: Sophisticated multilayered material projection system VEX Snippet Manager: Efficient code management system for VEX snippets

Utility Tools

Workflow enhancers designed to speed up common production tasks.

ABC Splitter: Right-click functionality for efficient Alembic file management Animation Node Highlighter: Visual identification system for animated SOP nodes Geometry Splitter: Advanced splitting tools for ABCs and geometry based on attributes

Gallery FX Setups Comprehensive collection of production-ready effect setups and examples. Ready-to-Use Setups

RBD Examples: Practical setups including bending metal and constraint networks PYRO Configurations: Production-optimized Pyro setups with multiple disturb and turbulence fields Simulation Samples: Curated examples for Vellum, POP, and MPM simulations

🚀 Upcoming Features

• Arnold support for the light converter
• Vray support for the light converter
• Octane support for the light converter
• Comprehensive video demonstrations
• Extended documentation and usage examples

📦 Installation

BYVFX Tools uses Houdini's package management system for seamless integration into your pipeline. The package system ensures that all tools, HDAs, and resources are properly organized and loaded in your Houdini environment.

Using Houdini Packages

1. Create a packages directory in your Houdini preferences if it doesn't exist:

# Windows
%USERPROFILE%/Documents/HOUDINIVERSION/packages

# Linux
~/HOUDINIVERSION/packages

# macOS
~/Library/Preferences/houdini/HOUDINIVERSION/packages

1. Download the BYVFX Tools package and extract it to a location of your choice:

2. Create a new JSON file named BYVFX.json in your packages directory with the following content or use the one provided:

{
    "enable" : true,
    "env": 
    
       [ {"HOUDINI_PATH" : "E:\\_houdiniFiles\\BY_python\\byvfx_tools"}]

}

3. Restart Houdini to load the package

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues:

1. Verify your HOUDINI_PATH includes the package directory
2. Check that all environment variables are properly set
3. Ensure file permissions are correct
4. Restart Houdini after making changes

For additional help, contact brandon@byvfx.com

📬 Contact & Support

• Email: brandon@byvfx.com
• Website: byvfx.com
• LinkedIn: Connect with me

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