How do you improve, inspire or innovate upon a tested and proven product? If you're Luxology, you continually ask the question, "Can we do better?" With the release of modo 501, Luxology has answered that question again with a resounding, "You betcha!" It seems like everything has been touched and tweaked, some things more than others. From the improved and expanded online help materials, 64-bit Mac version, to the greased lighting Preview and Rendering abilities, Luxology takes a huge leap forward with the release of modo 501.

Modeling: Of course, modeling is where modo had its humble beginning. It quickly secured its foothold in the 3D industry as the Sub-D modeler of choice by major studios such as Pixar, ILM, Apple, SolidWorks and others because of its ease of use and implementation of tools and modeling processes. Now they are on version 5 and we are still witnessing innovations.

Pixar Subdivsion Surfaces: The introduction of Pixar Subdivision Surfaces -- or "PSubs" -- is the biggest leap forward in innovation. PSubs offer greater control over creasing and edge control of subdivision surfaces without adding unnecessary geometry, thereby creating much lighter and more efficient models than in 401. When used in conjunction with edge weighting, PSubs expand the possibilities of complex modeling in a cleaner and more efficient way. Texture distortion, sometimes associated with regular Sub-D geometry, is greatly reduced or eliminated with the use of PSubs. PSubs are, of course, optional should you prefer using the regular Sub-D's. Finally, in terms of compatibility, PSubs are compatible with other systems and pipelines. As an example, using FBX 2010.2 the user can export those nice semi-sharp creases from modo to Autodesk Maya seamlessly.

Snapping: Snapping has gotten some modo love in 501, and graduated to its own "global state" button and menu allowing the user greater accessibility and control. Precise modeling is a celebrated feature of modo, so the snapping enhancements further compliment this.

Tool Stacks: New to 501, Tool Stacks is a refreshing concept driven entirely by user feedback. One of the intuitive features of modo's modeling experience is that when working with the modeling tools, the user can choose from a list of various Action Centers and Axis to more accurately work with the mesh. The idea behind Tool Stacks is that the user can now define the default state of any of the modeling tools (including brushes). It is a subtle, but elegant addition.