Where are OPs/actions like Edge Loop defined?

[magneto]

I asked this over at the sidefx forum but got no replies after several days, so thought I could try asking here.

Are these operations intrinsic to Houdini, i.e. they are just some actions but not necessarily anything that could become part of a network as any other OP?

Thanks.

[hopbin9]

Yea, there are no built in SOPs for doing edge loops, and there should be.

[magneto]

Yea, there are no built in SOPs for doing edge loops, and there should be.

Thanks that's what I was wondering.

[hopbin9]

As a work around, I've been using the Edge Group asset to do what I need in most cases. While it won't let you target an edge loop exactly, by using point groups as masks you can often get it to select the edge loops you need.

Houdini Tools

I recommend the Edge Group and Edge Depth sops.

Also, you can learn a lot just by looking at how the Edge Group was implemented.

[AdamJ]

Just to clarify.. you guys are talking about network/procedural approach versus viewport driven one right? (since you can do edge loops in viewport but yeah it involves user picking the first edge using polysplit with quad strip/close path on )

[hopbin9]

Just to clarify.. you guys are talking about network/procedural approach versus viewport driven one right? (since you can do edge loops in viewport but yeah it involves user picking the first edge using polysplit with quad strip/close path on )

yea, if you want to create a procedural object where it's polycount can increase/decrease then modelling it without edge loops is very difficult. I had to once to a gear where you could adjust the number of teeth, but it had to look a certain way. Without edge loops it was a pain in the ass to get done.

[magneto]

Thanks guys, I didn't see that tools, will check them out.

But yeah procedural approach to select edge loops, rings would be sweet and suit Houdini's style.

This should be writable using python, right? If so, I might give it a try.