dcc-mcp-houdini: Instructions file for Claude Code

CLAUDE.md — Claude Desktop / Anthropic API Integration Guide

Claude-specific integration notes for dcc-mcp-houdini. For the full project map, see AGENTS.md.

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What This Project Does

dcc-mcp-houdini embeds an MCP Streamable HTTP server directly inside SideFX Houdini. Claude Desktop (or any Anthropic API client using MCP) can call 180+ Houdini tools across 30 skill packages over HTTP — scene inspection, node authoring, HDA execution, rendering, and more.

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Claude Desktop Configuration

Add to claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "houdini": {
      "url": "http://127.0.0.1:9765/mcp"
    }
  }
}

File locations:

• Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

If running gateway mode, use http://127.0.0.1:9765/mcp instead.

Restart Claude Desktop after editing.

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Progressive Loading — Important for Claude

By default, dcc-mcp-houdini starts in minimal mode with only 2 skills loaded:

• houdini-scripting
• houdini-scene

All other skills must be loaded on demand. When Claude needs a tool from an unloaded skill:

1. Call load_skill("houdini-nodes") to expand the skill.
2. Then call the typed tool (e.g., houdini_nodes__create_node).

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Claude-Specific Tips

• Viewport feedback: Ask Claude to call houdini_render__capture_viewport after scene changes. The base64 PNG lets Claude "see" the current state.
• Node networks: Claude excels at building SOP/OBJ networks. Chain create_node → set_node_parms → connect_nodes → cook_node.
• Code execution: Prefer search_skills → load_skill → typed tools. Use execute_python only as last resort.
• HDA automation: Use houdini_hda_automation__instantiate_hda and houdini_hda_automation__cook_top_network for HDA workflows.
• Cancellation: Claude can send notifications/cancelled for long renders.

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Quick Test Prompts