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Plugin · Free

Houdini Shelf Starter

A tidy shelf and project template to start every Houdini scene faster. Free to download and use in personal and commercial work.

Type
Plugin
Format
HDA + shelf
Size
4.2 MB
License
Free
Updated
Oct 2026
Download file

What's included

The starter pack gives you a clean foundation for every Houdini scene, so you spend less time on setup and more time on the work itself.

Shelf tools: a custom shelf with the tools used most often, grouped by task, so common actions are one click away instead of buried in menus.

Project template: a ready-made scene structure with clearly named networks for geometry, lighting, cameras and rendering, so every project starts organized and stays easy to hand off.

Readme: a short guide that explains what each tool does, how the template is organized and how to adjust both to fit your own workflow.

How to install

  • Download the file: use the download button above and unzip the folder somewhere easy to find, such as your desktop.
  • Copy the contents: place the shelf and HDA files inside your Houdini preferences folder, in the matching subfolders for toolbars and digital assets.
  • Restart Houdini: close and reopen the application so it picks up the new files. The new shelf tab appears in the shelf bar at the top of the viewport.
  • Check that it works: open a new scene, click the new tab and confirm the tools load without errors. If nothing appears, double-check that the files are in the folder for your Houdini version.

Notes

  • Compatibility: built and tested on recent Houdini versions. Older versions may work but are not tested.
  • License: free to use in personal and commercial projects. Please do not resell or redistribute the files on their own.
  • Updates: new versions are posted on this page, and the updated date above shows when the files last changed.
  • Feedback: if something breaks on your setup, get in touch through the contact page and include your Houdini version so I can reproduce the issue.

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