Houdini plugin · VisionCore tool
VaraVision
Create dimensioned Houdini deliverables that survive revisions.
Measure distances and angles directly in Houdini, save them with the scene, then project crisp measurement overlays onto your final render.
$19.96 launch price with code LAUNCH20 · $24.95 list price
Get VaraVision — $19.96One-time purchase · Secure checkout via Gumroad · No subscription · Continuous support
- Houdini 20.5 and 21
- SOPs and Solaris
- Windows, macOS and Linux
- Fully local, no account
VaraVision is a viewport measuring tool for SideFX Houdini. Click points to read distances and angles, save the measurements with the scene, then project them from the render camera as a clean 2D overlay over a beauty render.
From viewport to final image
Measurements that end up in the render
The annotations project from your render camera as a clean 2D overlay. Labels stay sharp, lines keep a constant width, and the result matches the viewport at any resolution.
Keep the measurements, not another manual annotation pass.
Get VaraVision — $19.96What it solves
Keep the measurements you need to show
Houdini's ruler is useful for a quick check, but its measurement disappears when you leave the tool. VaraVision keeps multiple numbered measurements with the scene.
Reopen the file, move endpoints, name lines, measure angles, and return to the same annotations when a client or supervisor needs to review the result.
How it compares
More than a quick ruler check
Houdini already has a useful ruler for quick checks. VaraVision is for measurements you need to keep, present and deliver.
- Saved with the scene. Reopen the file and your numbered measurements are still there.
- Available in Solaris. Use the same tool in the SOPs and Solaris viewports, including through a USD camera.
- Visible in the final image. Place a clean measurement overlay over the completed beauty render.
- Ready to style and export. Control colors, labels, line width and units, then export the data to CSV.
Key features
A complete measuring workflow inside Houdini
Measure accurately
Create point to point distances and three point angles with live preview, smart snapping and axis lock.
Keep and edit
Save numbered measurements with the scene. Drag endpoints, name lines, remove individual items or clear the set.
Control the presentation
Set colors, label size, line width, marker size, decimals, ruler ticks, unit suffix and label offset.
Deliver the result
Create a crisp render overlay or a transparent overlay for compositing, then export every distance and angle to CSV.
Work naturally in Houdini
Use the same native viewer state in SOPs and Solaris. No account is required and nothing is sent online.
Who it is for
Built for measurements you need to present
For Houdini artists who need to show real world dimensions to clients, supervisors or collaborators without recreating annotations by hand.
Requirements
What you need
- SideFX Houdini 20.5 or 21
- Windows, macOS or Linux
- PySide6 or PySide2
- SOPs or Solaris viewport
Installation
Two simple ways to install
Open and click Install
Open the included INSTALL.hip inside Houdini, click Install, restart Houdini, then enable the VaraVision shelf.
Use the Python installer
Run the included one line Python installer from a terminal. Houdini does not need to be open during installation.
The tool runs from its own folder. If you move that folder later, install again from the new location. A PDF guide is included.
Why it exists
Created for real Houdini work
VaraVision is made by House of Visions, a 3D visualization studio. We built it for our own Houdini work, then prepared it for other artists. See the studio portfolio, or get in touch if you need help.
FAQ
Questions before you continue
What is VaraVision?
VaraVision is a native measuring tool for the SideFX Houdini viewport. It creates saved distance and angle measurements that can also appear over a beauty render.
Which Houdini version does VaraVision need?
VaraVision runs in SideFX Houdini 20.5 and 21 on Windows, macOS and Linux. It works with PySide6 and PySide2.
Does VaraVision send anything online?
No. VaraVision is fully local. Measurements live in your scene file and the tool uses the units in that scene.
Does VaraVision work in Solaris and Stage?
Yes. VaraVision works in the classic Object viewport and in the Solaris and Stage LOP viewport. It can also use a USD camera.
Can measurements appear in the final render?
Yes. VaraVision projects measurements from the render camera as a clean 2D overlay that can be placed over the beauty render.
Does the overlay require a specific render engine?
No. The measurements are a separate 2D overlay, so the beauty pass can come from the render engine you already use.
What units does VaraVision measure in?
VaraVision measures in scene units with a unit suffix you set, for example 2.50 m. It can also export every measurement and angle to CSV.
Where can I see the current price?
Current pricing and any available offer are shown on the VaraVision product page on Gumroad. VaraVision is a one time purchase with no subscription.
Can I get a refund if it does not fit my pipeline?
Digital product sales are final. If VaraVision is not working as described, contact House of Visions and we will help you troubleshoot the issue.