Modo is a program for true masters in three-dimensional graphics, providing a full range of capabilities for modeling rendering. In this article, we will consider what it is, how and where to download, install and use it.
Utility "Modo"
Modo is a program released in 2004, that is, twelve years ago, by Luxology for the Windows and Mac operating systems, three years after the start of development.
The latest stable version, in turn, was released a year ago, in 2015.
The same team of engineers worked on Luxology Modo as on Lightwave, also positioned on three-dimensional graphics, which already means that it is a software product of the highest quality. The same opinion has developed about it among users, because "Modo" is not the first year - one of the most popular programs for 3D modeling.
Projects for implementation
“Create something new” is the motto of Luxology developers. And the widespread Modo - a program chosen by professionals - in this provides all possible assistance. It is used in many areas of three-dimensional graphics, including in game development, and in the production of films and series.
Working environment
The Modo workspace is a single area for modeling, drawing, and rendering. It is called innovative, because in this software a powerful set of tools and amazing functionality are intertwined with a surprisingly clear interface.
Three-dimensional modeling program "Modo" allows you to configure almost all the working elements: many of them are allocated for comfortable use in separate modules.
Modo Genie’s navigation styles are one of the most demanded, as they have the property of bringing the principles of interaction with the toolkit closer to the methods involved in such “giants” of three-dimensional modeling as 3D Max, Maya and others.
Features "Modo"
Among the wide range of Modo capabilities, the main ones are as follows:
- creation of surface models can be polygonal or subdivided;
- construction of geometric structures, characterized by high accuracy;
- modeling tools are divided into mesh and based on the available graphics (image);
- an amazing level of SE editing, which has almost no competition in the global market;
- the ability to draw and two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics;
- flexibility and power of illustration for each of these types;
- rendering speed comparable to high quality;
- You can choose the approximate rendering or full-fledged detailed;
- functionality of modeling and animation, etc.
For those in the subject
Modo is a program that is advised to those who already imagine what three-dimensional modeling is and is not afraid of the word "rendering" in the description of the software. Simply put, it is for those in the subject. If we divide the programs for rendering into three types, of which the first will be “for acquaintance and training,” and the last “for advanced professionals, masters of their craft,” then “Modo” will take a middle position. And this is not at all an offense to this software - those who belittle its dignity are mistaken.
For some reason, there are a lot of videos on the Internet about the use of Modo in computer games like the popular Dota or the unforgettable COP, while Modo Genie is very successfully used not in game development, but in the television industry. A striking example is the movie Avatar. Yes, the blue men were made with the help of this software product.
This suggests that the functionality of "Modo" allows you to use it in serious projects and get high-quality results in response to diligence.
Convenience and comfort
What distinguishes Modo from other programs used in the field of three-dimensional graphics? These, of course, are quick access tools.
In "Modo" is not only a chic set of built-in functions, thanks to which masterpieces are born, there is an opportunity in it to create your own. As a result, it turns out that the masters, who have long been familiar with this software and talking to you on it, completely adjust it for themselves, as an artist paints with a good old brush on his favorite canvas with paints, the colors of which he mixed himself.
The generation of complex commands in “Modo” is very fast: it only takes a click of a button. One “click” divides the steps of work that determine its progress.
Tools
It has already been mentioned more than once how many tools can be used in Modo, but everything is somehow abstract and pathetic. All of them will be difficult to list, and there is no need. We confine ourselves to the fact: there is a standard set in the program, otherwise it would not be worth any attention, and even more so a separate article, and also dwell on the most interesting:
- the ability to glue graphic images whose resolution is variable;
- pixel recovery (several tools, at an advanced level);
- new versions added retargeting;
- the ability to deform and sculpt models;
- measurement tools (not only volumes, but also speeds, distances and other information about the current simulation);
- visual setting of spacing;
- ultra-precise timing;
- ease of installation of not only key, but also extreme poses, for example, touch points, etc.;
- snap tools, the level of which is higher than that of "ZD-Max" and "Maya" - for example, you can snap points and intersection lines of different geometries. This feature is implemented only in Modo;
- reference;
- tools for destruction and simulation of various physical properties;
- hair modeling tools.
disadvantages
Users note a lack of some basic options in Modo. However, usually these comments come from those who switched to a new software for themselves after the familiar Maya or Lightwave. If you know all the key combinations for calling a particular function, such problems do not arise.
Formats support
Modo is a program that works with the common three-dimensional design formats OBJ and STL. It also has the ability to open any other extension of another 3D modeling program.
zBrush & Modo
There is integration with zBrush: mutual import and export of files between this program and Modo is widely known and often used. Basically, this is implemented to create complex organic objects, because zBrash is characterized by modeling similar to “virtual clay”. The work of these two software products, although both of them are polygonal, is strikingly different, and at the same time they harmoniously complement each other.
How and where to download?
The licensed version of Modo is paid. But when was this a problem? Modo is a program whose torrent download is available in versions of pirated versions, shareware utilities, demo programs, portable executables. High-quality repacks include Russification and “turnkey” assembly, without adding an extra headache to the user, but the portable versions do not require installation at all, but only downloading to the computer and actually launching it.
For those who like to approach the matter thoroughly, or those who have been friends with Modo for a long time and firmly, you can always buy a licensed version on the official website. There you can buy a free trial for a month.
In addition, the site provides educational video tutorials on this program, articles, plugins and modules. All this is in English, and for those who own it to improve themselves in three-dimensional graphics and design with the innovative “Modo” there are no limits, only a shining goal ahead.