Software / Tool

Ptarmigan

A cross-DCC toolkit for computational designers — custom tools and templates that carry a workflow across Rhino, Grasshopper, Houdini, and ZBrush.

Documentation Resources GitHub

What It Does

Ptarmigan is a collection of custom scripts and components that speed up repetitive or mundane modeling work and make it easier to carry a workflow between software environments. In Rhino and Grasshopper, it adds commands and components that simplify complex modeling operations. In Houdini, it introduces node-based utilities for faster scene setup and mesh preparation. For ZBrush, it's a set of templates for custom brushes and alphas, aimed at a more streamlined sculpting experience.

Supported Applications

Rhino

Rhino

Grasshopper

Grasshopper

Houdini

Houdini

ZBrush

ZBrush

Tools & Features

Cross-platform scripts

Shared scripting foundations for Rhino, Houdini, and ZBrush.

Grasshopper components

Predefined components built for rapid prototyping.

Rhino command base classes

A base for adding new custom Rhino commands quickly.

ZBrush templates

Template setups for custom brush and alpha libraries.

Ptarmigan toolkit logo

Installation & Access

Get the Files

Grasshopper definitions, Rhino templates, and other downloadable pieces of the Ptarmigan toolkit are shared on the Resources page as they're released. Setup and usage instructions for each tool live in the documentation.

Browse Resources

Roadmap & Status

Work in Progress

Ptarmigan is under active development — not every tool is fully implemented or tested yet, and the toolkit ships as a separate version for each supported application rather than one unified installer. It's continuously expanding to cover more of the pipeline: from Rhino's modeling precision, to Houdini's procedural flexibility, to ZBrush's sculpting depth.

  • Speed up repetitive or technical workflows.
  • Maintain consistent UI and logic across multiple DCC tools.
  • Allow easy customization for project-specific tasks.
  • Provide open templates for scripting and automation.

About the Name

I chose the name Ptarmigan after the state bird of Alaska. The ptarmigan is known for its ability to change color with the seasons — turning brown in summer and white in winter — blending seamlessly into its surroundings. That adaptability reflects the idea behind the toolkit: just as the bird adjusts to its environment, Ptarmigan adapts to different creative "seasons" and workflows, evolving with each project's needs rather than staying static.