OpenVDB
OpenVDB is an open source software library for working with sparse volumetric data. It provides a hierarchical data structure and related functions to help with calculating volumetric effects in CGI applications. Volumetric effects apply to volumes, as opposed to just on surfaces. An example is fog.
| Developer(s) | DreamWorks Animation, Academy Software Foundation |
|---|---|
| Initial release | August 3, 2012 |
| Stable release | 7.0.0
/ December 6, 2019 |
| Repository | github |
| Written in | C++ |
| Type | Software library |
| License | Mozilla Public License 2.0 |
| Website | openvdb |
Specifically catering for feature film production, the library was originally developed by DreamWorks Animation and is currently maintained by the Academy Software Foundation (ASWF). The primary authors are Ken Museth, Peter Cucka, Mihai Aldén and David Hill. OpenVDB is written in C++ and has Python bindings.
OpenVDB is supported in a wide range of CGI software, such as Blender (since April 2016), Cinema 4D, Houdini and RenderMan. It was used in the films Puss in Boots (2011) and Rise of the Guardians (2012).