rendering IPOPs (Image Plane Operators): 70+ HDAs for Streamlined AOVs, Mattes, & Shading in Houdini (Karma/Mantra/MaterialX)

[Sharan]

Hi everyone,

I'm excited to announce the release of IPOPs (Intelligent Production Operators)! This is a set of 70+ HDAs (Houdini Digital Assets) designed as operator workflows to radically simplify and standardize shaders, AOVs, Mattes, and utility features for rendering in Houdini.

If you are looking to increase efficiency and creativity by streamlining your render passes, the IPOPs ecosystem is built for you.

Store Link: chakshuvfx.gumroad.com

Key Features & Compatibility

• 70+ HDAs across various libraries and bundles.

• Compatibility: Renders in Karma (CPU & XPU), Mantra VEX, and MaterialX.

• Accessibility: Full support for Houdini Apprentice & Houdini Indie.

• Workflow: Standardise your networks and access specially developed nodes for various renderers and presets.

The IPOPs Toolset

The HDAs are organised into four core libraries/bundles:

1. The Standard Library

The foundation of the IPOPs toolset, offering quick shaders, AOVs, and over 70+ essential utility nodes.

Highlights include:

• Fresnel VOPs: Powerful Thin Film Fresnel, standard Fresnel, and XRay VOPs for Karma/MaterialX (CPU & XPU), complete with an Index of Refraction Library preset.

• Mask Falloff VOP: Generate quick, SDF-based masks directly within your shaders (Mantra & Karma CPU).

• Edge Detect & Front Face VOPs: For outlines and camera-facing normal detection (Karma/MaterialX).

2. Geometry, Particles, & Volumes AOVs Bundles

A dedicated set of remade, production-ready AOVs, Mattes, and Utility Passes tailored for different geometry types.

Unique Workflow Feature: Each AOV bundle includes a SOP-level Bundle Maker tool. This allows you to:

• Preview AOVs directly in the viewport.

• Override material settings using attributes, which is perfect for reusing the same shader on multiple objects while generating dynamic AOVs based on the current context.

Featured Utility Tools

We’ve also released powerful standalone utility shaders as part of the IPOPs ecosystem:

Tool	Description	Compatibility
Motion Vector VOP Shader & SOPs	Generate quick motion vectors on the fly for geometry, particles, & volumes. Uses both forward frame (Mantra) and velocity-based methods.	Mantra & Karma CPU (VEX Based)
Mask Falloff VOP Shader & SOPs	Generate quick, SDF-based masks inside shaders for shading maps, similar to an Attribute Transfer SOP but running in VOPs.	Mantra & Karma CPU (VEX Based)

Demos & Previews

See the IPOPs in action with these demonstration videos:

• Volume AOVs Bundle Demo (Karma Materials): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxsof1ogU_A

• Geometry AOVs Bundle Demo (Karma Materials): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNdxYFrXUbU

• Particles AOVs Bundle Demo (Karma Materials): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhJFfNks8H8

• Advanced Fresnel VOPs Demo (Karma/MaterialX): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVM18pTLnJA&t=1s

Get the IPOPs!

Explore our store for various bundles tailored for Houdini Apprentice & Indie, including the IPOPs Master bundle and dedicated Geometry, Particles, or Volumes AOV bundles.

Store Link: chakshuvfx.gumroad.com

For any enquiries, please email: support@chakshuvfx.com

We will be posting constant updates and developments here!