How to assign multiple materials to alembic files?

[stevejjd]

hi all
having a lot of problems today

I have a model of a Tiger I tank, it’s extremely complex. I loaded the alembic file and unpacked it.

I split the model into manageable chunks using the split node.

From the smaller chunks, I created groups.

from the groups I created material assignments.

I merged the parts together but the end result looks insane.

does anyone know how to work with alembic files, assigning materials to various parts and merging it all together with the correct results ?

like here
http://www.xuanprada.com/blog/2018/9...embler-part-02

Thanks

[glacierise]

Once you unpack, you need to write the geometry to disk again. Our workflow is to create detailed path attributes that do the organizing, then write the geometry using the alembic rop's 'hierarchy from attribute' option with the path attribute. Then when you load in an alembic sop in delayed load primitives mode, you'll see packed prims for each path, and you can use these to assign materials and render standalone or from Houdini.

[stevejjd]

Thank you for this explanation, I appreciate it. It would be cool if chaos group supplied an example scene for everyone to learn from and follow. Thanks again.

Thanks so much, I think I got this working !

[bdancer]

I don't understand the issue at all....

> I loaded the alembic file and unpacked it.

So, now you work with polygons? So, how it's related to Alembic then?

> I merged the parts together but the end result looks insane.

What does this mean? Merge where? What does "insane" means?

> It would be cool if chaos group supplied an example scene for everyone to learn from and follow

I'm not sure there will be because there is no need for it, you just apply materials with the material node and that's it...

[glacierise]

Thank you for this explanation, I appreciate it. It would be cool if chaos group supplied an example scene for everyone to learn from and follow. Thanks again.

Thanks so much, I think I got this working !

Yes it takes some time to adapt to the Houdini way I'll publish my vray houdini guide that covers all that initial experience, in the next few weeks

[david.anastacio]

Thank you for this explanation, I appreciate it. It would be cool if chaos group supplied an example scene for everyone to learn from and follow. Thanks again.

Thanks so much, I think I got this working !

This is not really a V-Rray specific thing, it's Houdini in general.
In general we are also using packed alembivs for everything, otherwise you will have major problems (slower renders, bigger vrayscenes). Any changes needed to the model will be cached to a new alembic version always, nnd material assignment relies on the the path attribute and split nodes. Just add the material right after your splits, no need to create a group and then use that group to assign the material, that's double work.
So, split all you need to assign material, assign materials and merge all again. Your renders and viewport should now be much faster.

PS: only use the path attribute in the splits, otherwise you will have issues updating your model. Also don't forget you can make your splits dynamic using wildcards in them.
Edit: You can use other parameters or even metadata from the alembic to drive your splits, just avoid using the geo or prim numbers.

Best,
David.

[stevejjd]

Thanks so much. Yeah, I find this very hard to understand but I will keep trying. I really appreciate the feedback. I will set it up the best I can and share it here. I will literally pay you for your time if you are able to help me set this up. I need to know this, so I can get work.

Basically want to know how to use Houdini as a scene assembler and look dev tool. If you are interested you can email me here stevejjd@gmail.com, just include your rates.

I know that @glacierise is making a guide. If you need support for that let me know. Even if you need some funds for it. If I can understand this, then I think I can be more confident when applying for work and doing work in this field.

Thanks
Steve

[stevejjd]

Hi all,
Yeah, it turns out that this is too hard for me to understand how to set up. I'm still trying. Thanks so much for your help

The tank I want to look dev is extremely complex. You can download it here for free. I am willing to pay you if you can show me how to correctly set this up in Houdini to work look-dev with a packed alembic
Thanks

https://www.artstation.com/marketpla...rm=marketplace

[glacierise]

You got mail

[david.anastacio]

I remember I had an old post where I had a really basic asset setup posted, see the file attached to this post: https://forums.chaosgroup.com/forum/...alembics?p=106

Best,
David.

[stevejjd]

Thanks so much for the help !