Houdini Modeler Improves Modeling and Shading
Independent developer Alexey Vanzhula has released Modeler 2025.2, the latest version of his popular toolkit for classic modeling in Houdini. Although Houdini is better known for its procedural approach, this tool returns direct control to the artist with a more familiar environment for those coming from Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.
More Familiarity for Artists with New Shortcuts and Gestures
One of the most important changes in this version is the update to the shortcut system. Now W, E, and R are used for move, rotate, and scale, a standard convention in other 3D applications, instead of the old T, R, and E. Additionally, selection modes are now assigned to 1, 2, and 3 for vertices, edges, and faces respectively.
Another notable improvement is the customization of left and right gestures in the contextual menu. This allows users to assign both Houdini and Modeler tools to each gesture, greatly speeding up work with stylus or mouse.
New Shading Presets to Visualize Your Models with Style
A presets system for shading has been added, allowing the creation of custom visualization styles. Now you can, for example, quickly toggle between wireframe mode, toon shading, or one with AO from the radial menu. Perfect for reviewing topology or preparing screenshots to present an asset.
Updated to Qt 6 to Align with the 2024 VFX Standard
Modeler has also been updated to Qt 6, the graphical interface toolkit used in many creative applications. This improves stability, future compatibility, and integration with other tools that follow the VFX Reference Platform.
Summary of Key Improvements
- New W, E, R shortcuts: And selection 1, 2, 3.
- Configurable contextual menu gestures: Separately.
- Shading presets system: In radial menu.
- Interface updated to Qt 6: For greater stability and compatibility.
With so many configurable gestures, Modeler no longer looks like a Houdini tool… it looks like a digital martial arts tablet!