Requirements
System dependencies
Currently building on Linux and Windows is documented. We use CMake as our build system and link against Houdini/Maya to avoid having to compile our own version of Usd.
It is also possible to compile against a self-compiled Usd build, this is not covered by this guide though.
VFX DCC vendors try to keep in sync with the versions specified in the VFX Reference Platform, so if something doesn't work, first make sure that your software versions are supported.
Since the Usd Asset Resolver API changed with the AR 2.0 standard proposed in the Asset Resolver 2.0 Specification, you can only compile against Houdini versions 19.5 and higher/Maya versions 2024 and higher.
Linux
| Software | Website | Min (Not Tested) | Max (Tested) |
|---|---|---|---|
| gcc | https://gcc.gnu.org | 11.2.1 | 13.1.1 |
| cmake | https://cmake.org | 3.26.4 | 3.26.4 |
| SideFX Houdini | SideFX Houdini | 19.5 | 20.5 |
| Autodesk Maya | Autodesk Maya | 2024 | 2024 |
| Autodesk Maya USD SDK | Autodesk Maya USD SDK | 0.27.0 | 0.27.0 |
Windows
| Software | Website | Min (Not Tested) | Max (Tested) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Studio 16 2019 | https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/ | - | - |
| Visual Studio 17 2022 | https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/ | - | - |
| cmake | https://cmake.org | 3.26.4 | 3.26.4 |
| SideFX Houdini | SideFX Houdini | 19.5 | 19.5 |
| Autodesk Maya | Autodesk Maya | 2024 | 2024 |
| Autodesk Maya USD SDK | Autodesk Maya USD SDK | 0.27.0 | 0.27.0 |
When compiling against Houdini/Maya on Windows, make sure you use the Visual Studio version that Houdini/Maya was compiled with as noted in the HDK/SDK. You'll also need to install the Visual Studio build tools that match the Visual Studio release if you want to run everything from the terminal.