Modeler 2025, a major enhancement for Houdini, is here. It rewrites almost all Python and VEX code from scratch and adds tools for efficient retopology and all-quad geometry creation. Artists can now enjoy a smoother integration into Houdini, making it feel like a native part of the software. Here’s what’s new.
The original Modeler toolkit, released in 2018 under the name Direct Modeling HDA, aimed to streamline modeling workflows in Houdini, making them more similar to traditional DCC (Digital Content Creation) tools. The 2025 version brings significant improvements, including a completely redesigned interface and updated tools to support polygonal, subdivision, and Boolean modeling workflows.
One of the key improvements in Modeler 2025 is its tighter integration with Houdini. Artists no longer need to activate a separate Modeler mode, as all tools are now stored on Houdini’s shelves. This means you can assign hotkeys as you would for any native Houdini function, streamlining the entire workflow. The contextual menus are also redesigned to resemble Houdini’s standard interface, with the added flexibility of being detachable and repositionable anywhere within the viewport. This minimizes the learning curve for users familiar with Houdini’s UI and optimizes working space in complex scenes.
Modeler 2025 also includes seven pre-made radial menus, offering quick access to key display options and toolsets. These radial menus simplify navigation and tool selection, improving the overall speed of the modeling process.
New Retopology Tools: All-Quad Geometry in One Step
One of the most notable features in Modeler 2025 is its new retopology tools, particularly the Draw Patch tool. This tool allows you to draw boundaries directly on a model’s surface, automatically generating uniform, all-quad geometry. It’s a workflow reminiscent of industry-standard retopology software like TopoGun, but now fully integrated into Houdini. For artists focusing on creating clean, production-ready topology, this tool can save hours of manual labor.
Another redesigned tool is the Face tool, which fills in gaps between selected points or edges, allowing users to quickly patch holes in curved polygonal structures. This improvement makes Modeler 2025 a strong competitor to other dedicated modeling tools within the Houdini environment.
Sculpting Features Improved with Symmetry Support
New Sculpt Move and Sculpt Relax tools, based on Houdini 20.5’s Sculpt SOP, offer sculpting functionality while respecting symmetry settings. Artists can now make detailed adjustments to models without breaking symmetry, essential for character and organic modeling workflows. Additionally, the new Linear Falloff and Radial Falloff tools bring functionality similar to what Modo users might recognize, adding more flexibility when making large-scale adjustments to models.
Updated Key Modeling Tools
Modeler 2025 introduces updates to key existing tools, including Bevel, Thickness, Connect, and Knife. These are fundamental tools for any modeling workflow, and their improvements focus on better precision and speed during the modeling process. For instance, the Knife tool now offers more accurate cutting paths, especially useful for hard-surface models that require clean, sharp edges. Similarly, updates to the Bevel and Thickness tools allow for more consistent edge treatments, which is critical when preparing models for subdivision.
Pricing and Licensing
Modeler 2025 is compatible with Houdini 20.5 and is available for individual artists and studios. A single floating license costs $100, while studio licenses with unlimited seats are priced at $500, reflecting a $100 increase from the previous version. For artists and studios already using Houdini, these costs might be easily offset by the time saved through the new tools and improved integration. As always, it’s important to evaluate these new features against your existing pipeline before fully adopting them for production.
You can check out a full list of changes and features in the official Modeler 2025 changelog and learn more about the product on Alexey Vanzhula’s Gumroad store.
