> [!abstract] Summary > **Getting-started guide for Prism Pipeline 2.0.10** — what it is, why we use it, installation, the Project Browser, DCC integrations (Houdini, Maya, Nuke, Mari, PlantFactory, SpeedTree) and a basic end-to-end workflow example. Targets students using Houdini 20.5.445 with RenderMan 26.3 or Karma as render engines. > [!info] Source > Compiled with **AlterAI Bot**. Footnote numbers point to the sources at the bottom of the page. --- # Why Prism? - Works inside **every DCC** we use — Houdini, Maya, Nuke, Mari, PlantFactory, SpeedTree. - Streamlines **import / export** and gives us an opinionated, version-controlled folder layout. - Only the **paid version** is genuinely useful for our pipeline thanks to **USD support**. --- # What is Prism Pipeline? Prism is a **user-friendly pipeline software** for organizing and automating animation/VFX project workflows. It is designed to be intuitive and **requires no programming skills**, making it ideal for artists and students who want to focus on creative work. [^1][^2] --- # 1. Getting Started ### Installation & Setup 1. **Create an account** — register on the Prism website to access downloads and support. 2. **Install Prism** — download the installer and follow the setup instructions. 3. **Install plugins (DCC integrations)** — during installation, select integrations for your software (Houdini, Maya, Nuke, etc.). 4. **Set up your first project** — use the **Prism Project Browser** to create a new project and define its structure. [^3][^4] --- # 2. Prism Project Browser The **Project Browser** is the central hub for managing all project elements: - **Create assets** — add new models, textures, or other elements. - **Add departments** — define departments (e.g. Modeling, Shading, Animation). - **Add tasks** — assign tasks to team members or yourself. - **Create scene files** — generate and manage scene files for each department and task. [^3] --- # 3. Workflow Integration ### Houdini - **Open / Save scene files** — use Prism's interface inside Houdini to manage your scenes. - **Create playblasts** — generate quick previews of your work. - **Export / Import assets** — move assets between Prism and Houdini. - **Render** — submit to RenderMan or Karma directly from Prism's render management tools. [^3] ### Maya - **Open / Save scenes** — access Prism tools from Maya's shelf. - **Export / Import assets** — seamlessly move assets between Maya and Prism. - **Render** — manage renders and outputs through Prism. [^3] ### Nuke, Mari, PlantFactory, SpeedTree - Direct integration guides may vary, but Prism supports **asset management and file versioning** for all these tools through its project structure and file system. --- # 4. Key Features for Students - **USD pipeline support** — Prism 2.0.10 features deep integration with **USD (Universal Scene Description)**, enabling advanced workflows and cross-DCC compatibility. [^5][^6] - **Automated scene creation** — scene files are automatically generated when tasks are created. - **User sync** — sync users and roles from ShotGrid, ftrack, or Kitsu. - **Asset–shot linking** — keep clear links between assets and shots for efficient tracking. [^7][^8] --- # 5. Basic Workflow Example 1. **Start a new project** — Launch Prism → Create Project → Set Departments → Add Assets. 2. **Assign tasks** — modeling, texturing, animation, lighting… 3. **Work in DCCs** — open scenes from Prism in Houdini or Maya, work, save back to Prism. 4. **Version control** — each save creates a new version, ensuring easy rollback and progress tracking. 5. **Rendering** — use Prism's render management to submit jobs to RenderMan or Karma. 6. **Review & publish** — review outputs, publish approved versions, and move to the next pipeline stage. --- # 6. Tutorials and Further Learning - **Official tutorials** — installation, basic workflow, and integration with project-tracking tools like ShotGrid. [^9] - **Step-by-step guides** — detailed written guides for setup, Project Browser, and DCC integration are available in the Prism documentation. [^3] - **Community & support** — join the Prism Discord or follow their social media for updates and peer support. [^4] --- # 7. Best Practices - Always use the **Project Browser** for asset and task management. - Maintain **clear naming conventions** for assets and tasks — see [[../../FOUNDATION/PROTOCOL Naming Convention|PROTOCOL Naming Convention]]. - **Regularly update and sync** your project to avoid data loss. - **Use versioning** to track progress and changes. - Communicate with your team using integrated tools for notes and attachments. --- # References [^1]: Overview — Prism Pipeline Documentation [^2]: Prism Pipeline, le pipeline d'animation qui combine tous les softs [^3]: Guides — Prism Pipeline Documentation [^4]: [Prism Guides] — Setup: Getting Started [^5]: Free VFX & Animation Pipeline Tool Prism Now Supports OpenUSD [^6]: Open-source VFX pipeline builder Prism 2.0 is now available [^7]: Changelog — Prism Pipeline Documentation [^8]: Prism v2.0.10 released [^9]: Tutorials — Prism Pipeline --- # 🔗 Related - [[../PRISM MOC Protocol|PRISM MOC]] - [[PRISM Folder Hierarchy|PRISM Folder Hierarchy]] — the project tree Prism creates. - [[../../../ARTFX OSMIUM/PRISM/Notes/PRISM Overview with Loris Eck|PRISM Overview with Loris Eck]] — full video walkthrough. - [[../../USD/USD MOC|USD MOC]] — the USD layer Prism orchestrates.