Polished stills from Houdini Apprentice viewport captures for learning, VFX tests, and portfolios.
Non-commercial Houdini learning edition for students, artists, and hobbyists exploring procedural 3D and VFX
Non-commercial Houdini learning edition for students, artists, and hobbyists exploring procedural 3D and VFX
In Houdini Apprentice, frame the procedural result you want to evaluate - a SOP model, pyro test, particle pass, terrain scatter, animated prop, or Solaris/Karma lookdev preview. Hide helper guides and UI clutter, capture the viewport from the camera angle that best communicates the idea, and upload the image to RENDERCAD. Use the generated still to compare composition, lighting mood, scale, and presentation direction, then return to Houdini Apprentice to adjust node parameters, materials, cameras, or simulation settings before preparing a native render.
Modeled by CADSharp in Onshape. Rendered with RENDERCAD.
Add | Change | or Remove referenced objects with the stroke of a brush.
Tired of keeping up with the latest gen AI models? RENDERCAD is powered by a proprietary ensemble of the most cutting-edge AI engines, always up to date and fine-tuned to strictly maintain your design intent.
| Feature | RENDERCAD | Houdini Apprentice native rendering |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Generative AI | Built-in Houdini rendering workflow; third-party renderers are not supported in Apprentice |
| Output | Images + Video | Non-commercial images and frame sequences with Apprentice license restrictions |
| Resolution | HD / 4K | Limited by Apprentice license terms and render settings |
| Image Speed | ≈10 - 60 Seconds | Scene-dependent; volumes, particles, dense geometry, and higher samples can take longer |
| Video Speed | ≈1 - 5 Minutes | Animation previews require render setup, simulation caches, and per-frame processing |
| Scene Set Up | Zero | Cameras, lights, materials, simulation caches, render nodes, and output settings |
| Input | Screen Snip | Houdini Apprentice scene files, node networks, caches, and viewport or render setups |
| Hardware | Cloud GPU | Desktop Houdini Apprentice workflow for non-commercial learning projects |
| Install | None | SideFX Houdini Apprentice installation and an active non-commercial license |
| Cost | from $20/mo | Non-commercial learning license subject to SideFX terms |
Read the numbers. We trust you to know theirs.
Skip the setup tax. Pick the condition, material, and background with just a click while RENDERCAD handles the heavy lifting. No lighting rigs, no environment setup, no 45-minute wait; get photorealistic results in seconds.
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RENDERCAD™
We bring the tools directly to you. Overlay your system with our web app. Desktop app & browser extension are being redesigned and will be back soon.
Get StartedCommon solutions for Houdini Apprentice users
Instead of complex UV mapping, upload your image or use the RENDERCAD overlay tool to snip your screen. Type "Carbon Fiber" in the prompt, select "Exact" style, and in about 10-60 seconds, the AI will retexture your image realistically.
Snap a picture using the RENDERCAD overlay. Select the "Realistic" engine, set Condition to "Clean," and prompt "Brushed Aluminum." The AI applies the texture orientation correctly to your geometry.
Don't struggle with refraction settings. Upload your image or snip your view with RENDERCAD, set Style to "Creative," and prompt "Clear Glass." The engine handles transparency and light bending automatically.
Upload a CAD screenshot, real photo, or hand drawing to RENDERCAD Studio. Add "Cold beverage with condensation" to your custom prompt. The "Realistic" engine will generate realistic droplets on the surface.
Use the RENDERCAD overlay. Prompt for "Injection Molded Plastic" and in Advanced Settings, set Condition to "Clean" for a smooth, factory-fresh look.
You don't need texture maps. Upload your image or snip your screen with RENDERCAD, then set Advanced Settings > Condition to "Dirty" or "Heavily Used" to instantly apply rust and age.
Capture your model and prompt "Oak Wood" in RENDERCAD. The Image-to-Image engine generates a unique, non-repeating grain pattern that fits your object's form.
Upload your image or snip your screen. In RENDERCAD, prompt "Polished Gold" and set Background to "Grey" or "Gradient." The AI generates the necessary reflections to simulate a metallic surface.
No need for bump maps. Use the RENDERCAD overlay to capture the view, then prompt "Black Leather." The AI interprets the depth and stitching automatically.
Capture your screen and use the custom prompt "Glowing Neon Blue Lights." The AI paints the bloom and light spill directly onto your image.
While RENDERCAD generates full rectangular images, you can set the Background to "White" or "Grey" in Advanced Settings for easy masking in post-production.
Upload your image or snip the model, then prompt for "Denim," "Cotton," or "Velvet." RENDERCAD applies the weave texture naturally over the surface.