Modo is a professional-grade 3D animation software package with great features for modeling, sculpting and painting 3D models. However, unlike more traditional animation software, modo adopts a unique design strategy to minimize the number of necessary tools in order to run more efficiently. The results of this design effort are evident – modo's tool pipeline feature allows for a smaller and more economical toolset with a high level of control over tool behavior for maximum customization. This unusual workflow makes modo an interesting alternative to the leading 3D modeling software packages on the market.

One of modo's greatest advantages is the memory economy – it can run at full speed on weaker machines than most of its competitors, thanks to the minimal toolset. A small toolbox might seem like a disadvantage, but it is not necessarily a bad thing: You can customize tools with the tool pipeline feature to produce varied behaviors that compensate for their natively small number. You can also save these tool presets for future use, resulting in a workflow that is a perfect custom fit for you. It might be alienating for users who are accustomed to the massive toolsets found in the leading 3D animation software packages, but the unique approach certainly comes with advantages of its own.

Models made in modo are highly exportable to other applications, which is great for large projects where many different software packages must collaborate. Another consequence of modo's small toolset is a simple and approachable interface that you can get started with right away. The learning curve is nevertheless quite steep – especially if you want to master modo's tool pipeline.

Modo features an attractive 3D texture painter that allows you to create UV maps by painting directly on a model. This feature is not as well prepared for miniscule detail painting as specialized sculpting software would be, but it can be a fantastic way to texture your models.

One of modo's biggest marketing points is the Pixar Subdivision Surfaces. They allow you to render "semi sharp creases" that have a lush and realistic appearance, for which Pixar is famous. It also has the surprising benefit of reducing polygon counts without compromising details. That makes for faster rendering times, and when productivity is key, fast rendering means more output. Pixar-style subdivision also maintains texture map integrity better than average because it gives you more control over texture boundaries. On the flipside of that coin, modo has no support for NURBS modeling. You'll have to use subdivision for all your smooth surfaces.

Modo also comes with good community support. The online community is accessible through Luxology's home page, and it can be a lifesaver. They have a vast gallery of example images and many free downloadable assets, as well as helpful information and tutorials. The website is divided into Quick Tips, User Guides, Tutorials, Online Help (to search the website for assistance), Forum, Training Materials, Asset Portal and Luxology TV, which is a video archive full of training materials.