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Installation Guide

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This guide walks you through installing Node Weaver in Houdini. Choose the installation method that works best for you.

Table of Contents

Quick Start

  1. Download Node Weaver
  2. Put it somewhere on your computer (a dedicated Houdini tools folder ideally)
  3. Add it as a Houdini package
  4. Start Houdini and check that it installed

Need more detail? Read on!

Prerequisites

  • Houdini 19.5 or later
  • Python 3.7+
  • Admin rights on your computer (for some installation locations)
  • Git (optional, only for Method 2)

Method 1: Simple Installation

Step 1: Download Node Weaver

  1. Visit the releases page
  2. Find the latest release
  3. Click "Source code (zip)" under Assets
  4. Save the zip file anywhere

Step 2: Extract Files

  1. Find a good location for Node Weaver:
  2. ✅ A dedicated Houdini tools folder. Set one up if you don't have one for your own sanity
  3. ❌ NOT in Houdini's program files

  4. ❌ NOT in your Houdini preferences folder

  5. Example good locations:

  6. Windows: C:/Users/YourUsername/Documents/HoudiniTools/NodeWeaver
  7. Mac: /Users/YourUsername/Documents/HoudiniTools/NodeWeaver

  8. Linux: /home/YourUsername/HoudiniTools/NodeWeaver

  9. Extract the zip file there

Step 3: Set Up the Package

  1. Find your Houdini preferences folder:
  2. Windows: C:/Users/YourUsername/Documents/houdiniXX.X
  3. Mac: ~/Library/Preferences/houdini/XX.X

  4. Linux: /home/YourUsername/houdini/XX.X Replace XX.X with your Houdini version (like 20.5)

  5. In your preferences folder:

  6. Look for a "packages" folder

  7. If it doesn't exist, create it

  8. Copy the Package File:

  9. Find nodeweaver.json in your Node Weaver folder

  10. Copy it to the packages folder

  11. Edit the Package File:

  12. Open nodeweaver.json in any text editor
  13. Find the line with "NODEWEAVER":
  14. Change the path to where you put Node Weaver

Example nodeweaver.json: 

    "env": [
        {
            "NODEWEAVER": "C:/Path/To/Nodeweaver/Installation/NodeWeaver"
        }
    ]

Step 4:Start Houdini

  • Close Houdini completely (if it was open)
  • Start Houdini

Method 2: Git Installation

This method makes updating easier but requires Git. New to Git? Check my Git Guide.

  1. Open Terminal/Git Bash
  2. Navigate to where you want Node Weaver: 
    cd C:/Path/To/Nodeweaver/Installation/NodeWeaver
  3. Clone the repository: 
    git clone https://github.com/edwardmakesthings/Node-Weaver.git
  4. Follow Steps 3-4 from Method 1 above

Verifying Installation

  1. Start Houdini
  2. Press Tab in a network view (OBJ or SOP context)
  3. Look for "Node Weaver Toolkit" in the categories
  4. Try creating a tool from the tab menu

If you don't see the tools: 1. Try restarting Houdini 2. Check your package path 3. See Troubleshooting

Common Installation Paths

Windows

Node Weaver Location:
C:/Users/YourUsername/Documents/HoudiniTools/NodeWeaver

Package File:
C:/Users/YourUsername/Documents/houdini19.5/packages/nodeweaver.json

Mac

Node Weaver Location:
/Users/YourUsername/Documents/HoudiniTools/NodeWeaver

Package File:
~/Library/Preferences/houdini/19.5/packages/nodeweaver.json

Linux

Node Weaver Location:
/home/YourUsername/HoudiniTools/NodeWeaver

Package File:
/home/YourUsername/houdini19.5/packages/nodeweaver.json

Troubleshooting

Can't Find Preferences Folder?

In Houdini: 1. Go to File → Open 2. Type $HOUDINI_USER_PREF_DIR in the address bar at the top and press enter. 3. Right click the address and press "Expand Path" 4. That's your preferences folder!

Tools Not Showing Up?

  1. Check your nodeweaver.json:
  2. Path should match your Node Weaver location exactly
  3. Use forward slashes (/) even on Windows
  4. Spaces in the path may cause problems, ideally use _ or - instead.
  5. Make sure the packages folder exists
  6. Restart Houdini

Permission Issues?

  • Don't install in Program Files
  • Try running Houdini as administrator
  • Check folder permissions

Need More Help?

Remember: If something's not working, don't hesitate to ask for help!