> [!abstract] Summary
> **Instancing in Solaris** — using the **Layout Asset Gallery** to build a library, **Layout LOP** for drag-and-drop placement (one per geo type), **Instancer LOP** with variants (Explore Variants in Duplicate mode + Collection), and **Configure Primitive** to instance from existing layout geo.
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# Setup
> [!example] Reference example scene
> [LinkToExempleScene](eagle://folder/M2RGD46L2QNUM)
- Open a new tab → **Layout Asset Gallery**.
## Layout Asset Gallery
1. Create a **New Asset Database File**.
- ![[file-20241027105618357.png]]
2. Click the **Teddy Bear icon**, **Load Asset**, give it a name + an icon.
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# Layout LOP
Connect a **Layout** node to the ground.
> [!tip] One Layout per geo type
> Helps organisation — separate `Layout_Vegetation`, `Layout_Rocks`, `Layout_Props` etc.
- **By default** the Layout creates an **Instance** — geometry is *not* editable per copy.
- Switch to **Instanceable Reference** if you need per-instance changes (still memory-efficient).
- ![[file-20241027110239715.png]]
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# Instancer LOP
![[file-20241027110930788.png]]
### Inside the Instancer
- **LOP Import** node — import the ground.
- ![[file-20241027110542263.png|500]]
- **Unpack to polygons**.
### Instance with Multiple Variants
1. **Explore Variants** in **Duplicate Variants** mode.
2. **Collection** node — collect the variants.
- ![[file-20241027111138603.png|700]]
3. Give the collection a name and select the prims to include:
- ![[file-20241027111351984.png|850]]
4. In the **Instancer** node — select the Collection:
- ![[file-20241027111442044.png|650]]
5. **Uncheck** *Only Copy Specified Prototype Primitives*:
- ![[file-20241027111546643.png|525]]
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# Instance from existing Layout Geo
Use the **Configure Primitive** node:
![[file-20241030184829861.png|225]]
This converts existing layout geometry into instances, reducing memory and improving viewport / render performance.
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# 🔗 Related
- [[../SOLARIS MOC|SOLARIS MOC]].
- [[../NODES/SOLARIS Component builder - Explore Variants|Component Builder — Explore Variants]] — building the source variants.
- [[SOLARIS Cloning|SOLARIS Cloning]] — render-side parallelisation.
- [[../../SOP/HOUDINI Scatter|HOUDINI Scatter]] — SOP-side fundamentals.
- [[../../../../ARTFX OSMIUM/PIPELINE/Notes/DETAILS/PIPELINE ENVIRONMENT|OSMIUM PIPELINE ENVIRONMENT]] — set dressing pipeline.