Create an Explosion in Houdini

Greetings! Life has been a whirlwind lately, but I’m thrilled to share some educational content for those of you diving into Houdini! Recently, I had a student who was a few months into his Visual Effects journey, focusing on simulation FX. He wanted to create an explosion for his demo reel. This sparked an idea: what if I made .hips that were annotated, detailed, and easy to follow? After hearing the same request from a few more students, here we are!

Creating Explosions in Houdini: A Beginner's Guide

I’m excited to release the first iteration of this demonstration as is. Why? Because I want to get this out there and, more importantly, gather feedback from you, the student.

For this initial project, only students with a current Houdini FX Education license and/or apprentice can access it for now. But don’t worry! I’m working on converting this to INDIE very soon.

Why the Focus on Education?

I’ve been deeply involved in education, and most of my students are using the FX Education version of Houdini. That’s the version I’ve been working with, and I want to ensure that you have the best resources available.

UPDATE: As of October 17th, 2025, this is now fully released and available for both commercial and non-commercial use!

I also plan to create a video and possibly host Q&A sessions on Discord! Be sure to check that out. You can join the Discord Server here. It’s free! Don’t forget to subscribe to the Email Newsletter so you’ll be notified when I release new content and resources! Sign up now!.

My Commitment to You

Everything I’m offering is free. I don’t want to gatekeep knowledge. Sure, I need to support my family, but my passion lies in helping creatives like you achieve your dreams.

What’s Included in This File?

• A detailed walkthrough of setting up a particle-based emitter to create an explosion in Houdini, perfect for those who have never attempted an explosion before (beyond the shelf tools).

• Tips and tricks I use every day for effects.

• Simple and easy-to-understand instructions—no super advanced VEX, and no third-party plugins!

• Ground texture included in the download!

  
  

Explosion in Houdini Project Files:

Explosion Project File Download (Education):

ParticleEmitterExplosion.zip

Download ZIP • 1.75MB

Explosion Project File Download (Commercial):

Particle_Emitter_Explosion_Indie.zip

Download ZIP • 21.08MB

Tips for Success in Houdini

Embrace the Learning Curve

Learning Houdini can feel overwhelming at first. But remember, every expert was once a beginner. Embrace the challenges, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The community is here to support you!

Experiment and Explore

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings and techniques. The beauty of Houdini lies in its flexibility. Try out various approaches to see what works best for you.

Stay Updated

Houdini is constantly evolving. Make sure to stay updated with the latest features and improvements. Join forums, watch tutorials, and engage with fellow artists to keep your skills sharp.

Build a Portfolio

As you create projects, compile them into a portfolio. This will showcase your skills to potential employers or clients. A strong portfolio can open doors to exciting opportunities in the VFX industry.

Connect with Others

Networking is crucial in the creative industry. Attend workshops, join online communities, and connect with other artists. Building relationships can lead to collaborations and new projects.

Keep Practicing

The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Set aside time each week to work on your skills. Consistency is key to mastering Houdini and visual effects.

Conclusion

I hope this guide helps you on your journey to creating stunning explosions in Houdini. Remember, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Dive in, have fun, and let your creativity shine!