Hierarchy Builder
Hierarchy Tree Viewer panel allows artist to structure pieces inside one geometry container.

Hierarchy Tree Viewer panel allows artist to structure pieces inside one geometry container.

Hierarchy Tree Viewer panel automatically inspects and navigates through Hierarchy Builder SOP nodes.

Hierarchy Tree Viewer panel automatically inspects and navigates through Hierarchy Builder SOP nodes.

When working with intricate models in Houdini, there are often scenarios where the placement of multiple objects within a single container with complex geometry becomes necessary. This can be particularly relevant during tasks such as rigging or when dealing with USD SOP containers. To streamline this process for artists, I have developed a Python panel called the Hierarchy Tree Viewer.

The Hierarchy Tree Viewer panel serves as a valuable tool for organizing and visualizing the hierarchical structure of objects. Its functionality revolves around identifying and managing Hierarchy Builder nodes within the network. By selecting the lowest root node of a Hierarchy Builder, the panel intelligently traverses the hierarchy, capturing the names of objects along the way. It effortlessly skips non-essential intermediate nodes, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow.

Once the panel has reached the outermost Hierarchy Builder node, it goes the extra mile by locating the "name" attribute on the associated geometry, compiling a comprehensive list for easy reference. With a simple click on the names displayed in the Hierarchy Tree Viewer, artists can effortlessly navigate between Hierarchy Builder nodes in the Network view. Furthermore, the panel provides an invaluable Template flag, allowing artists to halt data propagation and replace it with Empty when necessary, granting them greater control over the workflow.

The power of the Hierarchy Builder node lies in its ability to emulate a Geometry container within the object context. Artists can manipulate geometry with ease, optimize computational performance by packing it into packed primitives, and effortlessly integrate geometry from remote nodes, reminiscent of the functionality offered by the Object Merge node. The Hierarchy Tree Viewer panel conveniently identifies these remote nodes, facilitating swift navigation within the Network view.

Overall, the Hierarchy Tree Viewer panel revolutionizes the process of handling complex models in Houdini. It empowers artists by simplifying organization, streamlining navigation, and enhancing control over the intricate hierarchy of objects.When working with intricate models in Houdini, there are often scenarios where the placement of multiple objects within a single container with complex geometry becomes necessary. This can be particularly relevant during tasks such as rigging or when dealing with USD SOP containers. To streamline this process for artists, I have developed a Python panel called the Hierarchy Tree Viewer.

The Hierarchy Tree Viewer panel serves as a valuable tool for organizing and visualizing the hierarchical structure of objects. Its functionality revolves around identifying and managing Hierarchy Builder nodes within the network. By selecting the lowest root node of a Hierarchy Builder, the panel intelligently traverses the hierarchy, capturing the names of objects along the way. It effortlessly skips non-essential intermediate nodes, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow.

Once the panel has reached the outermost Hierarchy Builder node, it goes the extra mile by locating the "name" attribute on the associated geometry, compiling a comprehensive list for easy reference. With a simple click on the names displayed in the Hierarchy Tree Viewer, artists can effortlessly navigate between Hierarchy Builder nodes in the Network view. Furthermore, the panel provides an invaluable Template flag, allowing artists to halt data propagation and replace it with Empty when necessary, granting them greater control over the workflow.

The power of the Hierarchy Builder node lies in its ability to emulate a Geometry container within the object context. Artists can manipulate geometry with ease, optimize computational performance by packing it into packed primitives, and effortlessly integrate geometry from remote nodes, reminiscent of the functionality offered by the Object Merge node. The Hierarchy Tree Viewer panel conveniently identifies these remote nodes, facilitating swift navigation within the Network view.

Overall, the Hierarchy Tree Viewer panel revolutionizes the process of handling complex models in Houdini. It empowers artists by simplifying organization, streamlining navigation, and enhancing control over the intricate hierarchy of objects.

Download it from the Github repository: https://github.com/Faitel/HierarchyBuilder