modo 102 is the latest release of the polygon and subdivision surface modeling and texturing package. All images © 2005 Luxology.

modo was first released late last year to many critical raves. Luxology, the software developers behind modo, have aimed high. Their goal was no less than a healthy update of the common standards in 3D modeling and texturing workflow. Made up largely of former NewTek LightWave 3D developers, the team at Luxology has created an application that has much more under the hood than the sleek interface might at first suggest. The developers clearly had past experiences in mind when designing modo. In design, as well as interaction, modo bears strong similarities to its spiritual ancestor, LightWave 3D. modo 102 is the latest release of the polygon and subdivision surface modeling and texturing package. This incremental update has many improvements and additions, possibly enough to have warranted a full version upgrade. To their credit, Luxology has done right by their users and made this a free upgrade. This kind of support is sure to create loyalists throughout the user community, especially when compared with the various subscriptions and other associated costs of popular 3D software.

Upon launching modo, users are treated to an uncluttered, mostly intuitive interface. Like LightWave 3D, modo uses many text buttons and relies on its highly customizable interface for that all-important, highly personal “interface quirk” satisfaction. Panels can be torn off and floated, rearranged or hidden altogether. modo ships with some default layouts, which the user can add to by saving custom layouts. Tools are readily available, including quick access to the essentials: vertex, edge and polygon selection. Unlike other apps that ghettoize materials, modo’s materials button resides alongside these sub-object buttons. Although the interface automatically changes, according to which mode the user is in, the change isn’t confusing. The same basic set of buttons is always available, while other panels shift focus. This is visually much simpler than other apps. Learning to navigate modo won’t take long for those familiar with another 3D app. Even newbies shouldn’t have much trouble learning the basics of 3D with modo. The app is also lightning fast -- from launching to complex subdivision surfaces. Not having to worry about rigging, animation or rendering overhead may have something to do with the speed, but regardless of the explanation the speed is impressive.

modo’s modeling tools are quite intuitive too. Once a primitive is created a user may enter subdivision mode and work with the more organic shapes that result. The modeling process is straightforward here. Whether you prefer to edit polys, edges or verts, modo provides quick access with both smart keyboard shortcuts as well as intelligently located buttons. Users may select a variety of loops and rings, a sometimes tedious process in other apps. Meshes can be subdivided repeatedly before noticing any slowdown. Once the app begins to get sluggish though it is still workable. After testing for a few days, I did not experience any crashes, even when cranking my subdivision levels above100. The standard toolbox containing extrude, bevel, etc. are located within a toolbar that also includes some unique tools. Tools that create spikes, or bridges between polys, just to name two, are useful for some specific, complex modeling projects but are likely to get less of a workout day to day. If organic modeling is not the order of the day, hard surfaces are easily achieved. While it’s no CAD program, modo offers enough numeric entry to satisfy even the most precision driven project.

The only popular recent modeling innovation missing from modo is the high poly, detail-driven, clay-like manipulation delivered by Zbrush. Given the unique approach of Zbrush, it’s hard to point a finger at Luxology in this realm. In fact, Zbrush and modo are both reasonably priced and coexist quite well. Any studio tasked with extreme high poly work would do well to include modo alongside Zbrush as a full modeling and texturing solution.