The release of Soft Boolean 2025 for Houdini has occurred

First released in 2021, Soft Boolean brought real-time boolean operations to Modeler, a solid surface modeling toolkit by Vanzhula, available as a special add-on. The software allows for boolean modeling operations on polygonal meshes in the Houdini viewport and enables precise beveling of the resulting geometry. In addition to the Soft Boolean node itself, the add-on provides a set of Shelf Tools to expedite the workflow.

In Soft Boolean 2025, the algorithm for performing boolean operations has been updated, resulting in improved quality and stability of the generated results. These changes enable cutting detailed text on curved surfaces and introduce "a plethora of new parameters" for fine-tuning boolean geometry. Specifically, it has become easier to adjust sharp angles and bevel radii, while normal smoothing has become "more precise and natural." The add-on should also handle a wider range of source topologies correctly. New tools for detecting holes and "quickly finding cuts" have been added as well.

Soft Boolean is delivered as an HDA (Houdini Digital Asset), which should allow users to utilize the tools in other DCC (Digital Content Creation) applications that support Houdini Engine. The original release is still available on Gumroad and includes scripts that make Soft Boolean functionality accessible via the shelf in Maya, although Soft Boolean 2025 is specifically indicated as intended for Houdini.

Soft Boolean 2025 is compatible with Houdini 20.0. Individual floating licenses are priced at $40, while Studio licenses, which provide an unlimited number of seats, cost $200. This release is a paid upgrade from the original version of Soft Boolean, which is priced at $30 for individual licenses and $200 for Studio licenses.