setDrivenKey – Houdini Python Tool

setDrivenKey is a Python-based utility for SideFX Houdini that allows you to create "driven key" style parameter relationships, similar to functionality found in other 3D packages.


INSTALLATION
	1	Locate Houdini's Scripts Folder Place the setDrivenKey.py file into your Houdini user scripts directory:
	◦	Windows: Documents/houdini<version>/scripts/
	◦	macOS: ~/Library/Preferences/houdini/<version>/scripts/
	◦	Linux: ~/houdini<version>/scripts/
	2	Replace <version> with your Houdini version (e.g., houdini20.0).
	3	Restart Houdini This ensures the script is available for importing.

USING THE TOOL You can run setDrivenKey in multiple ways:
	1	Shelf Tool (Recommended for Most Users)
	◦	In Houdini, open Windows → Shelves → New Tool.
	◦	Set Script Language to Python.
	◦	In the script field, add: import setDrivenKey setDrivenKey.run()
	◦	Name the tool "setDrivenKey" and assign an icon if desired.
	◦	Click your new shelf button to run the tool anytime.

	2	Main Menu Integration (Advanced Users) This method adds setDrivenKey to Houdini’s main menu. Editing MainMenu.xml is an advanced operation—make a backup first. Steps:
	◦	Locate your MainMenu.xml file in: Documents/houdini<version>/MainMenuCommon/MainMenu.xml
	◦	Open MainMenu.xml in a text editor.
	◦	Add the following entry where you want the menu item to appear: <scriptItem id="setDrivenKey" label="Set Driven Key"> <scriptCode> import setDrivenKey setDrivenKey.run() </scriptCode> </scriptItem>
	◦	Save the file and restart Houdini.
	◦	The menu entry will appear in the section you inserted it into.
NOTES
	•	Compatible with the Python version bundled with your Houdini release.
	•	If external Python libraries are required, install them into Houdini’s Python environment.
	•	Always backup configuration files before modifying them.

CONTACT For support, updates, or inquiries, visit: vedhastudios.ca
