Houdini Indie on Steam FAQ

[Ben (SideFX)]

Thanks for your interest in Houdini Indie on Steam! Here are some frequently asked questions and answers. This thread will be updated as needed.

Where do I report problems, bugs, etc. for Houdini Indie on Steam?

You can look for solutions and post problems in the Houdini Indie Discussions area here. You can also report bugs to SideFX's Bug Database here[www.sidefx.com]

I’m new to Houdini, how do I learn how to use the software?

To get started with Houdini, visit SideFX's learning portal here[www.sidefx.com]

What is Houdini Engine and how do I learn to use it?

Houdini Engine is a set of plugins that connect Houdini to other software packages like Unity, Unreal Engine, Maya, and 3DS Max. You can find more info about Houdini Engine and how to use it here. [www.sidefx.com]

Is Houdini Indie available on Steam for Linux?

No, Houdini Indie is only supported on Windows PC and Mac at this time.

Can I install Houdini Indie through Steam on multiple workstations?

Yes, just like games on Steam you can install and use Houdini Indie through Steam on as many computers as you want. However, also like games on Steam, you will only be able to use Houdini Indie on one computer at a time.

Is it possible to access the daily builds when using Houdini Indie on Steam?

Yes, if you want to access the latest daily build of Houdini Indie, you can switch to the daily branch in the “betas” tabs of the Houdini Indie properties. As the name suggests, you’ll be receiving the latest build update of Houdini Indie everyday.

You can also access different production builds and older versions of Houdini (down to 16.5) this way. Follow these steps:

-Right click on Houdini Indie in your Steam library
-Select Properties
-Go to the Betas tab
-From the dropdown menu select the build or version of Houdini you want to use

Is it possible to buy Houdini Indie on Steam as a perpetual licence or a “rent to own” subscription license?

No, currently it's not possible to buy a perpetual license or a "rent to own" subscription license of Houdini Indie on either Steam or SideFX's store.

Are there any differences between Houdini Indie on Steam and Houdini Indie from SideFX's website?

Houdini Indie on Steam is functionally identical to Houdini Indie from SideFX's website, the only difference is that Houdini Indie on Steam uses Steam's licensing system and Houdini Indie from SideFX uses SideFX's licensing system.

How does my Houdini Indie subscription on Steam work? When will I be charged again?

After purchasing Houdini Indie on Steam your license will last for either one year or two years depending on which subscription duration you choose. The subscription will renew for the same annual price automatically.

If you wish to cancel your Houdini Indie subscription you can follow these steps:
-Login to your Steam account and go to Account Details
-Under “Store and Purchase History” click “Manage Subscriptions”
-Click Edit > Cancel My Subscription > Apply
Your Houdini Indie license will remain active until it’s annual expiration date. You will see a countdown timer next to Houdini Indie in your Steam library.

Is the Houdini Indie 2-year subscription available on Steam?

Yes, the 2-year subscription option is available on Steam. You can choose between the 1-year subscription and 2-year subscription when adding Houdini Indie to your Steam cart.

Can I switch my existing Houdini Indie license from SideFX licensing to Steam licensing? Can I switch my Houdini Indie license on Steam to SideFX licensing?

No, it's currently not possible to switch your Houdini Indie license between SideFX and Steam licensing. There are no plans to support this at this time.

Can I open multiple instances of Houdini Indie on the same computer at the same time?

Yes, you can open multiple instances of Houdini Indie by following these steps:
-Launch Houdini Indie from your Steam library to get the first instance.
-Navigate to your Steam directory in "...\steamapps\common\Houdini Indie\bin"
-Open "hindie.steam.exe" to get multiple instances of Houdini Indie

Can I take Steam screenshots in Houdini Indie and add them to the Houdini Indie Community Hub?

No, Steam screenshots are not supported in Houdini Indie at this time. You can still take screenshots using the Print Screen button, Snipping Tool, or other screen capture method and upload them to the “Artwork” section of the Houdini Indie Community Hub

Can I use the Steam overlay and Steam chat in Houdini Indie?

No, the Steam overlay and Steam chat are not supported in Houdini Indie at this time.

How do I install the Houdini Engine plugins?

You can install the Houdini Engine plugins by using the Plugin Installer shelf tool that is available in the Houdini Engine tab. To do that, follow these steps:
-Launch Houdini Indie on Steam
-Go to the Houdini Engine shelf (add the Houdini Engine shelf with + button if needed)
-Go to the Plugin Installer tool
-For Plugin, select the software plugin you wish to install
-For Version, select your version of the software for the plugin
-Make sure the paths are correct
-Click the Install button
-Use the Restart Houdini as Admin button if needed

Does Unreal Engine need to be updated to the newest version for Houdini Engine plugin for UE4 to work correctly?

Yes, you will need to update Unreal Engine to the newest version of that build in order to use the Houdini Engine plugins for UE4.

Can I use Steam Cloud to share my Houdini assets and preferences across multiple computers?

Yes, Houdini Indie supports Steam Cloud and will automatically backup your “Documents\houdini[VERSION-NUMBER]” folder that contains your preferences and Houdini Digital Assets, allowing you to use them on different computers.

Houdini Indie is slow to start up and/or close. What’s happening?

The Steam Cloud backup happens before Houdini Indie starts, or when closing it. Unfortunately, this can sometimes take a few seconds.If you’re not interested in using the Steam Cloud features, you can always disable it by right clicking on Houdini Indie in your Steam library, choosing properties, and by disabling the “enable Steam Cloud” checkbox in the updates tabs.

Do I need to run Steam in admin mode in order to give permission to change files on my hard drive?

Yes, run Steam in admin mode if you get an error message asking for permissions.