html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Image created using Modeler for Houdini by Philipp von Preuschen.Alexey Vanzhula has released Modeler 2025, a major update to the modelling toolkit for Houdini.The update reworks the add-on from scratch to make it feel more like a native part of Houdini, and adds new tools for retopologizing models to create even all-quad geometry.A classic hard surface and Boolean modelling toolkit for HoudiniFirst released in 2018 under the name Direct Modeling HDA, Modeler is a classic modelling environment for Houdini, intended to make workflow more like that in other DCC apps.It features a range of tools for polygonal and subdivision modelling, and for retopology.Modeler 2025: redesigned to feel more like a native part of HoudiniModeler 2025 is a major structural update, rewriting almost all of the add-ons Python and VEX code, and redesigning all of its HDAs.Vanzhula says that the work has been done to make Modeler feel less like a separate program running inside another, and more like a native part of Houdini.Users no longer have to activate a separate Modeler mode to use its tools, and all of those tools are now stored on shelves, making it possible to assign hotkeys to them in the standard way.In addition, the contextual menus have been redesigned to look more like Houdinis interface, and can be detached and repositioned anywhere in the viewport.The add-on also comes with seven readymade radial menus, to access display options and key toolsets.New and updated retopology toolsModeler 2025 also introduces new retopology tools, including Draw Patch, which makes it possible to cover a surface being retopologized with uniform all-quad geometry by drawing the boundaries of the patch directly onto its surface, using a workflow similar to tools like TopoGun.The existing PolyPen tool has been redesigned for even more convenient topology editing, particularly when using a stylus.Changes include support for symmetrical modeling, automatic welding of edges and loops, and the option to flatten edge loops into a line based on the viewport camera.The Face tool, for creating polygons from selected points or edges, has also been redesigned to make it easier to fill in gaps in curved polygonal cages, as shown in the video above.Other new and updated toolsOther new tools include Sculpt Move and Sculpt Relax, which use the reworked Sculpt SOP introduced in Houdini 20.5, but respect symmetry settings.There are also new Linear Falloff and Radial Falloff tools similar to those found in Modo.Modeler 2025 also features updates to many of key existing tools, including Bevel, Thickness, Connect and Knife. You can find a full list of changes via the links at the foot of the story.Pricing and system requirementsModeler 2025 for Houdini is compatible with Houdini 20.5. Individual floating licences cost $100; unlimited-seat Studio licences now cost $500, up $100 since the previous release.Read a full list of new features in Modeler 2025 in the online changelogRead more about Modeler for Houdini on Alexey Vanzhulas Gumroad storeHave your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.