Initial Setup

To connect Cargo to Houdini (Beta), first follow the Basic Software Setup guide.

Make sure you're using a supported software version before attempting software setup. Check out our supported 3D software versions here.

After selecting your version of Houdini, Cargo will install all necessary files to your computer and ask you to activate your plugin.

To enable the Cargo Plugin, launch Houdini.

Click the Windows tab, then select Cargo by KitBash3D at the bottom.

Click "Select" to enable the Cargo plug in.

Now you're connected and ready to create!

Troubleshooting Houdini plugin installation errors

If Cargo cannot locate a supported version of Houdini during Basic software setup, review the steps below.

For Windows

Locate houdini.env

What is houdini.env used for? It’s a simple text config file that Houdini reads at startup to set environment variables.

During Basic Software Setup, Cargo connects to Houdini through Documents/HoudiniXX.X/houdini.env

When you install Houdini and launch it for the first time, it creates a houdiniXX.X directory under Documents (e.g., Documents\houdini19.5).
However, the houdini.env file is not created automatically in that folder. It’s optional and only appears if:
- You create it manually
- A plugin or installation process (like Houdini Engine for Unreal or Maya) creates it as part of setup.

📁 Where to Find or Create It

Path: C:\Users\<YourUser>\Documents\houdiniXX.X\houdini.env
If it doesn't exist, you can just create a new text file in the above directory, rename it to houdini.env

In Cargo, Retry Add New Software

After confirming the correct location of Documents/HoudiniXX.X/houdini.env:

Restart your computer
Log into Cargo
Navigate to ACCOUNT --> SOFTWARE SETTINGS --> ADD NEW SOFTWARE
Cargo will locate Houdini during Basic Software Setup

NOTE: The Cargo plugin cannot be installed into Houdini using Advanced Software Setup

For macOS

Check the Location of `houdini.env` on macOS

What is houdini.env used for? It’s a simple text config file that Houdini reads at startup to set environment variables.

During Basic Software Setup, Cargo connects to Houdini through ~/Library/Preferences/houdini/XX.X/houdini.env.

When is it created?

When you install Houdini and launch it for the first time, it creates a houdiniXX.X directory under:

~/Library/Preferences/houdini/

(e.g., ~/Library/Preferences/houdini/19.5)

However, the houdini.env file is not created automatically in that folder. It’s optional and only appears if:

You create it manually
A plugin or installation process (like Houdini Engine for Unreal or Maya) creates it as part of setup

📁 Where to Find or Create It

Path:

/Users/<YourUser>/Library/Preferences/houdini/XX.X/houdini.env

If it doesn't exist, you can create a new text file, rename it to houdini.env, and place it in the appropriate versioned Houdini folder (/Users/<YourUser>/Library/Preferences/houdini/XX.X/)

Tip: The Library folder is hidden by default in Finder. You can access it by: