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Modo Reviews & Product Details

Modo Overview

What is Modo?

Modo’s powerful and flexible 3D modeling, texturing and rendering toolset empowers artists to explore and develop ideas without jumping through technical hoops. Modo® is your starting point for creative exploration. Whether you’re creating addictive real-time experiences, innovative product designs, compelling advertising images, or engaging film and video content, MODO’s artist-friendly tools let you iterate freely to realize your ideas’ full creative potential. As part of our Enterprise Solution Partnership Package, not only will you get the photo-realism of Modo, but you get the rapid-iteration software, Colorway. On top of that, you have access to our Modo experts for asset creation, expert training, and dedicated support as you chart your digital design transformation. Users choose Modo for its ability to enable fast direct modeling, flexible procedural modeling, the award-winning MeshFusion Boolean toolset and built-in sculpting tools all working together, Modo’s modeling moxie is unmatched. With its advanced photorealistic viewport and progressive renderer, and WYSIWYG look-dev for Unity and Unreal, Modo lets you visualize your designs as you develop them, so you can discover their ultimate potential in less time. Freedom from creativity-killing constraints, with Modo’s intuitive, artist-friendly toolset. From roughing out volumes to creating highly detailed forms, Modo lets you focus on creation, not construction. Build your own kit of specialized tools by combining different operations, with Modo’s flexible tool assembly system. With Modo, every job you do becomes easier, as you continually develop new efficiencies. Modo fits right into your pipeline, with Python and C++ APIs; a fully customizable UI; and support for industry-standard formats like OpenSubdiv, OpenColorIO, OpenEXR, OpenVDB and Alembic.

Modo Details
Discussions
Modo Community
Languages Supported
English, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified)
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Product Description

MODO is your starting point for creative exploration.


Seller Details
Seller
Foundry
Year Founded
1996
HQ Location
London, United Kingdom
Twitter
@TheFoundryTeam
60,334 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
380 employees on LinkedIn®

Emma R.
ER
Overview Provided by:

Recent Modo Reviews

Michele F.
MF
Michele F.Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
0.0 out of 5
"Stay away, dead software"
Modeling and unwrapping are rich in features, allowing for both procedural and direct modeling. Also, MODO has one of the better integrated vray pl...
Nathan M.
NM
Nathan M.Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
5.0 out of 5
"Beautiful renders made easy."
The best part about Modo is how easy it is to get a great render. In other 3D programs you need to set up the lighting, and everything. Beauty is n...
Kimmo H.
KH
Kimmo H.Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
4.5 out of 5
"Great user friendly 3D software"
I like the user interface and overall usability. It is easy to solve problems as the software works coherently overall. A helpful community is also...
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Modo Media

Modo Demo - Modo Modeling
Modo offers a unique combination of best-in-class direct modeling tools working hand-in-hand with a highly robust and flexible procedural modeling system. Additionally, Modo features the award-winning MeshFusion Boolean tools, integrated sculpting and retopology functionality.
Modo Demo - Modo Texture Baking
Review textures as you bake and watch them refine progressively. Modo also allows you to tweak settings and make surface changes without waiting for a final render, and it accurately bakes to Unity or Unreal standards with no extra tools required.
Modo Demo - Modo Rendering & Shading
mPath, Modo’s physically-based hybrid renderer combined with iterative denoising technology, lets you visualize your designs intuitively and with less waiting.
Modo Demo - Modo UV Tools
Take the drudgery out of tedious UV creation tasks, with a highly efficient built-in toolset that offers many automated options, supports UDIM workflows, and—unlike some other 3D content creation tools—integrates fully with modeling and selection workflows.
Modo Demo - Modo Animation and Rigging
Modo has a powerful Order of Operations deformation system that when combined with Rig Clay, enables anyone to intuitively modify geometry like a pro. Now rigging in Modo empowers both the most technical rigger and 3D beginners alike.
Modo Demo - Workflow and User Experience
Modos features have always been engineered with workflow and user experience as the highest priority. OmniHaul provides customizable, gesture-based control for tools and channels directly in the 3D viewport. Enhanced boolean functionality, expanded preset capabilities and the new MeshFusion workf...
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86 Modo Reviews

4.3 out of 5
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86 Modo Reviews
4.3 out of 5
86 Modo Reviews
4.3 out of 5

Modo Pros and Cons

How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Cons

Overall Review Sentiment for ModoQuestion

Time to Implement
<1 day
>12 months
Return on Investment
<6 months
48+ months
Ease of Setup
0 (Difficult)
10 (Easy)
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Michele F.
MF
Freelance 3D Artist
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite on behalf of seller
Incentivized Review
(Original )Information
What do you like best about Modo?

Modeling and unwrapping are rich in features, allowing for both procedural and direct modeling. Also, MODO has one of the better integrated vray plugins on the market, even though its always the last to update. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Modo?

MODO has an unbelievably slow development. Most of the time, you'll see money being wasted on secondary projects (such as the VRModo, Kanova, Mischief, AVP), which won't benefit the user and only lower the number of fixes and features MODO will see. Performances are deficient, some of the worst on the market (compared to max, blender, Houdini), painting, particles, sculpting are leftovers from a 7-8 years ago and will require you to use other tools to work in those fields. The render engine is barely usable compared to nowadays solutions and the shader tree, which uses it, is also the leading cause of lag and freezes in the software. Luckily, you can pick between Octane and Vray as third-party solutions. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Modo:

If you are getting started in the 3D field, consider using Blender, Houdini or anything else that has a bigger market share. MODO future is uncertain and the development stagnant. I wouldn't really recommend anyone using this and I for sure am looking elsewhere. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Modo solving and how is that benefiting you?

I'm using MODO for product shots, which is the main focus of the entire software. Render Passes (which are a MODO-specific tool, the concept is entirely different from other software "render passes") will allow you to prepare batch processes and automatize most of your repetitive work.

Also, the package is quite decent when it comes to retopology for CAD imports, which helps in the "product shots" field. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Talia S.
TS
Concept Designer
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about Modo?

It's great for industrial 3D modeling - so long as your scene isn't too large. (ie: a complicated interior, or any exterior) Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Modo?

This software crashes at least 80 times a day for me. I'm not exaggerating. With every iteration (i've used the last 10 versions of the software, and always update right away.) It crashes on loading items, deleting items, extruding simple planes.

Their answer to this is: your config is corrupt. So I delete and remake my config- Delete and install a new modo. Still crashes. It's borderline unworkable. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Modo solving and how is that benefiting you?

It helps me solve 3D industrial problems - Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Emma Raw of Modo

Hi Talia, Sorry to hear of these issues, it's definitely not the experience we want for any of our users. I have spoken to our product development team and they are keen to understand the issue in more detail. I am aware a support ticket has been submitted and they will be in contact in reply to that. Hope they can get this sorted quickly for you.

Verified User in Architecture & Planning
UA
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite on behalf of seller
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Modo?

Modo has the best polygonal modeling tools and workflow out there. The UI is designed to speed you up. The direct access to fundamental features like UV's and rigging tools are what sets it apart for me. The community around it is amazing. Its procedural tools have grown in leaps and bounds. Also, as an animation platform, Modo is a hidden gem. Foundry's response to feature requests has been great. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Modo?

Dynamics could be better. While the procedural modeling tools are great, there are still areas for improvement, like closing holes. Saving assembly presets is either bugged or incomplete or just needs more work. Integrations with Unreal and Unity could be better, as compared to the competition. The price, when compared to the competition, doesn't make sense. Marketing could be a lot better. Training material for things like Assemblies and scripting are all provided by the community and really inconsistent. The camera, sunlight, and rendering post could be updated. The preset library that ships with Modo was amazing when it first came out, but the content is starting to look dated and should be updated. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Modo:

Just try it! Give it a month. Model, UV, texture, and render a scene and see how much faster that workflow is than anything else. Engage with the community if you have questions and see how generous and good-natured everyone is. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Modo solving and how is that benefiting you?

I've used Modo for motion graphics, augmented reality models, character animation, product renders, prepping files for 3d printing, and real-time interactive displays. I modeled more furniture in record time for arch viz than anyone at my firm. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Apparel & Fashion
UA
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Modo?

I love how advanced and detailed the quality of the built-in render engine is. I am not extremely knowledgeable about 3D modeling yet, but I believe that it is a great tool for footwear and fashion accessory use. I use the software to 3D model handbags and footwear. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Modo?

I dislike the learning curve that modo has. It does take a bit to understand your surroundings in the software and the interface is a little bit advanced. I wish it was a little easier to learn and understand. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Modo solving and how is that benefiting you?

Modo helps achieve realistic product renders for my fashion accessory models. It helps me create a realistic idea of what the product will look like without wasting time and money on too many prototype samples. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Nathan M.
NM
Multimedia and Audio Visual Developer
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
(Original )Information
What do you like best about Modo?

The best part about Modo is how easy it is to get a great render. In other 3D programs you need to set up the lighting, and everything. Beauty is not the standard. But in Modo, all o did was import my object and click render, and everything was well lit, and crisp. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Modo?

There is a bit if a learning curve at times if you are from a different program like Lightwave but that is to be expected with such a strong and robust program. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Modo solving and how is that benefiting you?

Getting cleaner renders has helped me with my video compositing. I no longer have to fight with my 3D program to get realistic renders for me to be able to composite. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

JF
Designer
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite on behalf of seller
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Modo?

Has everything - best modeling workflow from any program, procedurals, awesome built in render engine -shader tree Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Modo?

Sometimes performance slows - restarting fixes this but would like to see this improved Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Modo:

Focus on learning how it was designed to be used - hot keys make a massive difference in speed Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Modo solving and how is that benefiting you?

Product and archviz workflow is faster and its flexibility allows me to move between both very easily - could not work without it- Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Kimmo H.
KH
Illustrator
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite on behalf of seller
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(Original )Information
What do you like best about Modo?

I like the user interface and overall usability. It is easy to solve problems as the software works coherently overall. A helpful community is also a bonus. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Modo?

Performance could be better. And like to see more sculpting and texturing tools Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Modo solving and how is that benefiting you?

I use Modo for Desing and illustration tasks. Fast Iteration helps me to be more productive. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Moonq C.
MC
Concept Artist/Art Director
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Review source: G2 invite on behalf of seller
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What do you like best about Modo?

I like the UI related in workflow and flexibilities in the tools which I can feel Modo developers have though and studied deeply. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Modo?

Crashes... I am a user who enjoy customizing in many ways ,but it occurs crashes frequently . It hurts! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Modo:

Please beat Blender! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Modo solving and how is that benefiting you?

I am an art director and concept artist. I am using Modo so that I can reach better quality of concept art and 3d concept in the beginning. I love it. its lighting and modeling output is very satisfied with me. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Fabio B.
FB
R&I Engineering Manager
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
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Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite on behalf of seller
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What do you like best about Modo?

Modo is an excellent platform with the freedom to meet engineering targets with the flexibility of organic design principles. Modo allows transferring different 3D formats between software. Modo can export and import complex and basic geometries created with other technologies. The speed and the easy 3D manipulation is the real benefit for any creative designer. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Modo?

Not every feature is easy to find. Modo needs a designer with excellent training, and it is required everyday practice. There are not traditional parametric CAD methodology, every new geometry requires some additional work that can be reduced by a parametric solution. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Modo solving and how is that benefiting you?

Design components with organic shapes are highly complicated with traditional CAD technology. Modo is a great and flexible solution that can move format 3D file format between different software. I can go back and forward with a rapid methodology. I can also explore quick ideas that can take many hours in a traditional CAD 3D environment. Flexibility and practicality are the major attributes of the MODO platform. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Daniel J.
DJ
Founder, Owner, Game Programmer
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite on behalf of seller
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Modo?

What I liked the best about MODO is procedural modeling. Instead of just selecting individual parts and adjusting them so tediously in competing products, I can just use the arrow keys and other shortcut keys to select parts that MODO can intelligently know which ones based on your initial selections. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Modo?

What I found that was least helpful in MODO is rigging tools. It is really difficult to bind mesh to skeleton perfectly. I needed to paint weights each small part by hand. Two competing tools have Geodesic Voxel Binding, which I would love to try. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Modo:

Try out MODO and compare your experience with that software with your experience with other tools. I found its procedural modeling feature to be very handy. Also, it was recently updated so I can sew UVs rather than redoing UV unwrapping from start. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Modo solving and how is that benefiting you?

With MODO, I can model inanimate meshes with minimal time compared to its competition so I can have them ready sooner. I love shorter production time. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.