Houdini MCP — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Connects AI agents to SideFX Houdini to inspect networks, run renders, capture viewports, and browse offline documentation.
claude mcp add houdini-mcp -- uvx houdini-mcp-serverWhat Houdini MCP does
This server connects AI assistants to SideFX Houdini builds 20.5, 21.0, and 22.0 across a local TCP socket. When no Houdini interface is open, it spins up a headless hython instance. Agents gain access to tools for inspecting geometry, adjusting node parameters, cooking networks, running PDG graphs, and evaluating Python or VEX expressions.
The batch tool constructs entire node graphs within a single call. If an operation fails mid-build, it reverts earlier modifications immediately. Generating visual flipbook previews relies on having ffmpeg installed on your system.
The execute tool runs raw Python code directly inside the target session. All server traffic stays strictly confined to localhost.
What it helps with
- inspect geometry attributes and primitives in an active Houdini scene
- build node networks via single-pass transactional batch commands
- capture viewport angles and record flipbook video sequences
- query offline documentation for specific Houdini builds using docs
- trigger node cooking, PDG tasks, and frame rendering remotely
Example prompts for the agent
- Inspect the primitive count and attributes on node geo1
- Generate a procedural terrain network using the batch tool
- Take a viewport snapshot from camera cam1 and run cook
How to install Houdini MCP
Platform CLI
claude mcp add houdini-mcp -- uvx houdini-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from houdini-mcp-server <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add houdini-mcp -- uvx houdini-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from houdini-mcp-server <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"houdini-mcp": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"houdini-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from houdini-mcp-server <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"houdini-mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"houdini-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from houdini-mcp-server <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add houdini-mcp uvx houdini-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from houdini-mcp-server <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about Houdini MCP
How to install Houdini MCP in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add houdini-mcp -- uvx houdini-mcp-server in your terminal.
What does Houdini MCP do?
It provides tools for AI assistants to control SideFX Houdini, edit networks, query geometry, render outputs, and inspect viewport frames.
Can Houdini MCP run without an active Houdini window?
Yes, it launches a headless hython background process when Houdini is not running. To capture viewports, launch the GUI using the session tool with action="start_gui".
