MODO 17.0
How to get the most from Foundry’s updated 3D package
Whether you’re modelling a AAA video game asset or developing the next viral trainer design, Modo has long been one of the most powerful 3D content creation tools available, enabling numerous ways to work with speed and efficiency. Since merging with the original creators Luxology in 2012, Foundry has continued to refine the software.
The latest version, Modo 17.0, arrives onto the scene with an overhauled architecture and tool performance enhancements. For the first time, Modo is bundled together with the Prime version of OTOY’s OctaneRender, and macOS users get a long-awaited Apple Silicon edition.
This represents a milestone release for Modo, establishing an exciting new foundation that speeds up the entire creative process, from modelling right the way through to final render, and reduces the performance barriers for any 3D artist, from novice to expert. Modo is a large application that boasts so many powerful capabilities. That’s why I’ve compiled a selection of 10 helpful tips to make sure you get the most of Modo 17.0, meaning you can spend less time finding what you need and more time creating 3D art.
From modelling high-detail assets through to UV unwrapping complex objects more accurately, we’ll cover everything you need to do it all here. While this advice assumes you have at least a basic knowledge of Modo for each of the tips, there’s no need to worry if you don’t know your way around too well. If you need more help incorporating these pointers into your Modo workflow, head to youtube.com/@FoundryTeam and youtube.com/@Pixelfondue, and join the Pixel Fondue Discord to discover thousands of followalong videos.
01 CONSTRUCT CUSTOM TOOLS
Modo’s Tool Pipe is so often misunderstood, but it’s one of the most powerful features to learn for any project. This is because many of the tools in the Modo UI are actually a combination of various elements stacked within the Tool Pipe. Simply combine blocks in the Tool Pipe and Modo will combine the functions into your own custom tool.
02 REDUCE REPETITION
Artists often find themselves running the same tool sequences repeatedly. The macro system in Modo enables you to save time by recording operations across multiple tools and then playing them back as though it’s one tool. For example, by recording the UV Unwrap & Relax followed by the Pack tool in sequence with your desired setting
