SelfCAD
SelfCAD is an all-in-one online 3D modeling software that allows you to design, sculpt, and slice 3D models for printing or rendering within a single, browser-based interface.
SideFX Houdini
Houdini is a 3D procedural software providing advanced modeling, animation, and visual effects tools for artists and studios to create high-quality cinematic content and complex dynamic simulations.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | SelfCAD | SideFX Houdini |
|---|---|---|
| Website | selfcad.com | sidefx.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 10 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2016 | 1987 |
| Headquarters | New York, USA | Toronto, Canada |
Overview
SelfCAD
SelfCAD is a comprehensive 3D modeling solution that brings professional-grade design tools to your web browser. You can move from a blank canvas to a finished 3D print without switching between different applications, as it combines technical modeling, artistic sculpting, and 3D slicing in one place. This eliminates the need for complex software installations and allows you to manage your entire creative workflow from any computer.
You can solve common design hurdles using intuitive tools like the Magic Fix for manifold geometry and advanced generators for complex shapes. Whether you are a hobbyist, an educator, or a professional designer, the platform provides a streamlined environment to create high-quality 3D assets. It simplifies the learning curve of traditional CAD software while maintaining the power needed for intricate mechanical parts and organic characters.
SideFX Houdini
Houdini is a powerful 3D procedural workstation that changes how you create digital content. Unlike traditional tools that rely on manual sculpting, you build networks of nodes that define a recipe for your work. This procedural nature means you can make changes deep in your project history and see the results flow through to the final output instantly. You can generate massive environments, complex crowds, and intricate destruction sequences with total control over every detail.
You can solve the most demanding production challenges using its industry-standard simulation tools for fire, fluids, and cloth. Whether you are a solo artist working on a game or part of a massive film studio pipeline, you can automate repetitive tasks and build custom tools to speed up your creative process. It scales with your needs, offering a free version for learning and professional tiers for commercial production.
Overview
SelfCAD Features
- In-Browser Modeling Create and edit complex 3D designs directly in your web browser without downloading heavy software or managing updates.
- Interactive Tutorials Learn 3D design by following step-by-step interactive guides that show you exactly how to build specific models.
- Built-in Slicer Prepare your models for 3D printing with an integrated slicer that generates G-code for most standard 3D printers.
- Artistic Sculpting Shape organic forms and characters using digital clay tools that allow you to push, pull, and smooth surfaces.
- Magic Fix Tool Automatically repair your 3D meshes to ensure they are manifold and ready for successful 3D printing every time.
- Rendering Engine Generate realistic images of your 3D models with built-in lighting and material settings to showcase your final work.
SideFX Houdini Features
- Node-Based Workflow. Build your projects as a series of connected nodes so you can go back and change any step without starting over.
- Pyro FX Simulations. Create realistic fire, smoke, and explosions with high-performance solvers that give you cinematic results in less time.
- Fluid Dynamics. Simulate realistic water, oceans, and viscous liquids with advanced tools that handle everything from small splashes to massive waves.
- Procedural Modeling. Generate complex geometry and environments quickly by defining rules and parameters rather than manual vertex editing.
- Crowd Simulations. Manage thousands of characters at once with built-in tools for pathfinding, collision avoidance, and varied character behaviors.
- Solaris Look Dev. Layout your scenes and manage lighting in a dedicated USD-based environment for faster look development and rendering.
- Vellum Constraints. Handle cloth, hair, and soft bodies in a single unified solver to create complex physical interactions easily.
- Houdini Engine. Package your procedural assets and use them directly inside other tools like Unreal Engine, Unity, or Maya.
Pricing Comparison
SelfCAD Pricing
- Standard 3D modeling tools
- Direct 3D printing support
- Access to MyMiniFactory
- Cloud storage for projects
- Basic export options
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Advanced mesh modeling
- Interactive drawing tools
- Image-to-3D generation
- Advanced sculpting brushes
- Full export capabilities
SideFX Houdini Pricing
- Free for non-commercial use
- Access to all major features
- Render with Houdini Mantra
- Limited render resolution
- Proprietary file format
- Learning-only license
- Everything in Apprentice, plus:
- Full commercial usage rights
- Limited to $100K annual revenue
- Standard file formats (FBX, OBJ)
- Unlimited render resolution
- Includes 1 Engine license
Pros & Cons
SelfCAD
Pros
- All-in-one workflow from modeling to slicing
- Very low learning curve for beginners
- Runs smoothly in most modern web browsers
- Affordable pricing compared to professional CAD suites
Cons
- Requires stable internet for the browser version
- Limited advanced mechanical engineering features
- Performance can lag with very high-poly models
SideFX Houdini
Pros
- Unmatched flexibility for making late-stage project changes
- Industry-standard tools for high-end visual effects
- Procedural systems save hours on repetitive tasks
- Active community and extensive learning documentation
- Affordable entry point for independent game developers
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical artists
- Requires strong understanding of math and logic
- High hardware requirements for complex simulations