Katana 7.0 | Increased USD Support

Universal Scene Description, (USD) is Pixar’s open-source framework for the seamless exchange and manipulation of 3D graphics. USD is emerging as the preferred pipeline solution for studios of all sizes. It improves collaboration in the 3D animation and VFX industry by simplifying content interchange Using layering to support non-destructive editing and streamlining workflows. USD accelerates production times and provides a unified framework for scenes. Describing scenes universally and implementing changes seamlessly down the road. Before Katana 7, we offered a robust and production-proven USD workflow, with a suite of tools built around the UsdIn node. Also, the UsdMateriaFlvrlBake node provided a flexible framework for exporting materials and lights. In Katana 7, we start a new journey to support the ever-increasing demand for USD. We introduce 16 new nodes and a new framework for native USD manipulation, along with a library update to USD that aligns with other Foundry products like Nuke. These nodes allow you to import, manipulate, and build upon a USD stage and take advantage of the new performant architecture shared with Nuke’s new 3D system. These nodes empower you to precisely describe the order of operations by strength to define your composition arc. This follows standard USD LIVRPS strength ordering to ensure the pieces of the 3D scene work together effectively. New schema-related nodes help define and structure data within your USD stage. Plus, Basic Stage Change nodes allow you to modify authored properties of prims within your stage in a non-destructive manner. We’ve added Pipeline and Technical Director tools to manipulate USDA data as well as Python operations on the fly. Also, we’ve added the USDtoKatana node, so that you can seamlessly work in native USD for as long as required. You can easily convert any part of your scene to integrate with native Katana nodes and workflows, harnessing the combined power of USD and Katana. This allows you to transition your pipeline to USD while having the confidence that traditional Katana workflows, including its rendering API, are always available to you, eliminating the risk of a wholesale change. We’re introducing the new Scene Explorer, displaying USD and Katana scene data under one tab. The new scene explorer allows you to manage USD data using familiar Katana workflows from the Scene Graph. This means you can use Katana’s powerful large-scale, multi-shot workflows with controls ranging from deferred loading to viewer and render visibility. These non-destructive workflows allow you to make overrides that vary from the USD stage. And the scene explorer guides newcomers in optimal USD practices by aligning with USD’s naming conventions. Plus, the Hydra viewer allows a simultaneous display of Native USD and Katana information. No need to choose between them! We have updated the Attributes tab so you can visualize location attributes and property information for both USD and Katana data. Inspect USD and Katana data all in one location. This is especially useful when troubleshooting, debugging, or just inspecting the scene. This initial implementation for USD native workflows is just the start of a broader vision that you’ll see in future releases. With the groundwork set in Katana, we’re excited to expand existing and new workflows soon. Watch the tutorial here: Check what’s new in Katana 7.0 Asset from Azureus, courtesy of Black Sun Entertainment About Us: We are the creators of industry-standard visual effects, computer graphics and 3D design software for the Digital Design, Media and Entertainment industries. Since 1996, Foundry has strived to bring artists and studios the best tools for their workflows so they can battle industry constraints whilst staying creative. Subscribe to our channel and get the latest news, tutorials, webinars and updates from the Foundry team. Follow Us: