Side by side
Houdini vs Mari
Both stand on game texture software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan WindowsMacLinux
Houdini combines procedural modeling and animation with simulation, rendering and pipeline tools across several creative industries. Apprentice provides a free non-commercial route, while its render resolution and watermark are important constraints.
Visit Houdini
Free plan LinuxWindows
Mari combines high-resolution painting workflows with pipeline formats, scripting and rendering shaders. The non-commercial limits and subscription licensing requirements are important distinctions to weigh before using it.
Visit MariThe facts
| Houdini | Mari | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows, Mac, Linux | Linux, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Mari Individual Subscription (annual): $689 a year |
| Plans published | 21 | 9 |
| Maker | Houdini | Not published |
| Website | sidefx.com | foundry.com |
| On game texture software | #6 of 34 | #10 of 34 |
Houdini: what it does well
- Node-based procedural workflow supports sharing networks.
- Includes simulation tools for fluids, destruction, grains and cloth.
- KineFX supports character rigging and animation.
- Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Free Apprentice edition supports learning and personal projects.
What to know first
- Apprentice is limited to non-commercial use.
- Apprentice renders are limited to 1920×1080.
- Apprentice renders include a watermark.
Mari: what it does well
- UDIM support reaches 32K × 32K textures.
- Multi-Channel Paint handles up to eight streams.
- Includes pipeline APIs and Python scripting.
- Free 30-day trial provides unrestricted access.
What to know first
- Non-commercial exports are limited to 4K and 16-bit per channel.
- Non-commercial use disables Python scripting and caps objects at five.
- Individual licensing requires periodic internet access.