modo Sculpting

Sculpt or use traditional modeling tools at will. Sculpting is not a special mode in modo.

In modo, sculpting and traditional modeling are brought together in one application. modo offers two sculpting methods: mesh-based and image-based. You can use the sculpting tools to quickly push and pull your model into the shape you want or to add organic details not achievable with traditional modeling tools. Together, the combination of modeling and integrated in one application makes for a uniquely powerful 3D content creation experience.

Check out the new “Multi-Res Sculpting” workflow in modo 501. See it in action on the modo 501 Features Tour: Multi-Res Sculpting.

Mesh-based Sculpting

Mesh-based sculpting tools modify existing points on a mesh with a brush and are the fastest way to move, smooth, inflate or flatten geometry. They are ideal for use as an extension to traditional modeling tools or for quickly roughing out a base shape that will then receive more detail using image-based sculpting techniques.

Available tools include: Push, Smooth, Carve, Flatten, Fold, Inflate, Smudge, Move, Tangent Pinch, Spin, Emboss, Mask. Numerous brush types are available for each tool. (Standard behavior is to perform the opposite effect with the Ctrl key depressed)

I really like all the modeling improvements in modo and my favorites would be the Push, Smudge, and Move Tools under the Sculpt Tools. You can quickly sculpt out your shapes with these tools and you do it right on the mesh in case you need to bring your model into a different 3D application.

– Roger Borelli, Senior Modeler

Image-Based Sculpting

Image-based sculpting utilizes image maps that are great at producing fine details. The images can either be grayscale displacement, where shades of gray push vertices in or out a specific distance based on their shade or a 32bit vector image that allows not only in and out movement, but side to side as well, allowing for cavities and undercuts. Image -based sculpting provides excellent high frequency detail while maintaining low polygon counts.

Integration

Sculpting is no isolated experience in modo; it is simply part of a larger toolset that you can use at any time. You have access to traditional modeling tools as you sculpt, just as you have tools to paint. The sculpting tools in modo use the exact same system of tool falloffs, brushes and inks as the rest of modo. With the Preview Renderer, you get a lit view of your work right as you are sculpting. When sculpting in modo, all the data is simply native to modo. The ability to add or remove base geometry without having to import or export a mesh increases your productivity. Likewise, there is no need to bake out a displacement map.

True Displacement

modo can work with a true vector displacement — not just height fields. This means you can store objects like a mushroom in a vector displacement map. You can even turn 3D geometry into a brush and sculpt using ears (or mushrooms).

Fur Sculpting

The sculpting tools in modo are not only for creating geometry, they are also used to control the Fur material. In modo 501, you can style Fur interactively, using the Sculpt tools on curves, which act as hair “guides”. Using the sculpting tools you can flatten the grass in a meadow or arrange the hair on the head of a model.

See and download more modo sculpting videos at Luxology.tv.

Rick Baker

Rick Baker’s work has been seen numerous times by anyone who has ventured into a movie theater in the past 25 years. Initially gaining fame for winning an Oscar for Best Make-up (“American Werewolf in London”) in 1981, Rick has been involved in so many movies it is impossible to list them all here.

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